Grabbing meals outside of the home is a norm for many people who have less time or inclination for the kitchen. When balancing the convenience of take out to nutrition, finding healthier choices may be a few mouse clicks or a cell phone app away.
On HealthyDiningFinder.com, meal finders can find restaurants within their locale that offer “healthier” menu items, complete with calories and fat grams. Nutrition criteria for menu items are outlined on the site: Entrees and full meals must include at lease one of the following: fruits, vegetables, lean protein and 100 percent whole grains. Entrees or full meals must be 750 calories or less, 25 grams of fat or less, 8 grams of saturated fat or less. Appetizers and side dishes must be 250 calories or less, 8 grams of fat or less and 3 grams of saturated fat or less.
Although the site says lower sodium and cholesterol are featured whenever possible, it all depends on your personal choice and your definition of healthy.
The site is most beneficial when you know what you personally need to stay away from or avoid. For example, some of the selections that may be relatively low or acceptable in calories or fat grams may be outrageous in the amount of sodium in one serving (under 2400mg of sodium is what is recommended for an entire day.)
With that said, the restaurant search can be expanded from as close as five miles to as far away as 50 miles from their town, address or zip code. The list includes national chain and local eating spots.
You can select your price range: under $10, $10-20, $20- up and can specify whether you are looking for take out, delivery or catering service.
Once you enter your parameters, a list of restaurants are displayed, along with the address, telephone number, map directions, type of cuisine, number of “healthy” menu items offered and a sample menu item. The nifty, more descriptive information on each restaurant menu is found on the box labeled, “More Healthy Dining Choices,” which itemizes more than just fat and calories. Each menu item in question has a detailed description, and discloses saturated fat, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, protein and fruit/vegetable per serving.
Check it out for yourself at www.HealthyDiningFinder.com.
It’s pretty nifty, but the bottom line is: Read the details and make your healthy selection before you sit at the table and pick up the menu.