How To Order Italian Without Blowing Your Diet

When most people think of Italian food, their minds immediately leap to dishes which are overwhelmingly carbohydrate - pasta, pizza, and bread. But lots of Italian dishes are great choices for people who want to watch their weight. Here is a short video on how to order at an Italian restaurant, without blowing your diet:

Via YouTube

Healthy Tips For Eating Out

You can eat out and eat healthy, too. Many restaurants offer delicious meals that are low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. That’s good news for your health because a diet high in saturated, trans fats and cholesterol raises blood cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, and it’s also a risk factor for stroke.

Don’t be shy about making special requests. Most foods on most menus will probably fit into a heart-healthy diet if prepared with low-fat ingredients and less salt. Ask your server if the kitchen can alter preparations to meet your needs, or call ahead before you choose your restaurant. If your food isn't prepared as you requested, send it back.

Health Care Reform Requires Restaurants to List Nutritional Data

  The health care reform legislation that President Obama signed into law also includes a new requirement for the country's restaurant chains.

  Restaurants chains with 20 or more locations will be required to post nutritional data for their menu items. The requirement is modeled on similar regulations already in place in New York City and California.

  The NRA (National Restaurant Association) is praising the requirements:

“The passage of this provision is a win for consumers and restaurateurs,” said Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association President and CEO. “We know the importance of providing consumers with the information they want and need, no matter in which part of the country they are dining. This legislation will replace a growing patchwork of varying state and local regulations with one consistent national standard that helps consumers make choices that are best for themselves and their families.”
via WSJ Health Blog

   The regulation will also apply to posting nutritional information on the outside of vending machines. The American Beverage Association has announced that their members were going to start doing this anyway.