Don't let dining out be a recipe for disaster

By Michael Roizen, M.D.

and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

King Features Syndicate

"Kitchen Confidential" is a behind-the-scenes examination of the restaurant industry by the late Anthony Bourdain that reveals how patrons are unknowingly duped into dropping piles of money for gussied-up, low-quality food.

Clearly, a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition wouldn't have surprised him. It finds less than 0.1% of meals served at fast-food and full-service restaurants are of ideal nutritional quality. And around 70% of fast food and 50% of full-service restaurant food is poor quality, meaning it's lacking healthy fats, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins, and it's over the top for saturated fat, sodium and added sugar.

Those empty calories fuel weight gain and diabetes, and empty your wallet. The researchers say on average you're spending up to $4,000 annually on restaurant food, dishing up more than 20% of your total calorie intake.

Upgrading your restaurant menu takes some sleuthing, but the rewards are less weight gain, a healthier heart and a younger RealAge. So, go to the restaurant's menu online to see what nutritional info is available in food descriptions and data. Then, say "yes" to salads with vinaigrette dressing on the side; broiled, grilled or steamed fish (especially salmon and ocean trout), skinless chicken and veggies; dodge fried foods; and choose sauces that are not dairy-based or laced with added sugar. Remember, at a restaurant, you're the one paying; if asked, they'll let you have it your way. Make your meal healthy so you don't pay for it twice. Then you can be Kitchen Confident.

 

(c)2020 Michael Roizen, M.D.

and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

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