Hey Friends! How’s it goin?
With Spring finally on it’s way, very soon, the majority of my day will be spent meeting up and having fun with friends. And I know that’ll only increase as it continues to get warmer. A huge part of hanging out with friends, at least my friends, is food.
Because of this I’ve had to learn to manage eating out with eating healthy. And I gotta tell ya, it isn’t always easy. Until all restaurants start listing nutritional facts and ingredients for all their dishes, eating healthy when eating out is a bit of a guessing game.
But it isn’t impossible. What I want to talk about today, is how to spot unhealthy food on any menu, no matter where you are.
Restaurants love to talk up their meals using flowery adjectives that make your mouth water and your stomach growl. But those same words are the ones you have to look out for. The next time you read a restaurant menu, think of it as a reading comprehension. Focus on what the words mean rather than how they make you, and your stomach, feel. Then, make your decision.
1. Breaded
Meaning: Coated with breadcrumbs and then fried
Traditional breadcrumbs contain so much sodium you probably shouldn’t even use them at home. And on top of that, the chicken strips, shrimp or whatever is also gonna be fried too. Hello, fat and clogged arteries…
Alternative: Seasoned, Baked, Broiled
2. Crispy
Meaning: Having a pleasingly firm, dry or brittle surface or texture
If you’re tying to eat healthy, you probably avoid deep-fried foods. So don’t let ‘crispy’ foods fool ya. It’s really just another word for deep-fried.
Alternatives: Seasoned, Baked, Broiled
3. Battered
Meaning: Coated in batter and deep fried until crisp
Fried foods are literally hiding everywhere. It’s common knowledge that you should avoid fried foods, so restaurants are getting pretty good at hiding them behind unassuming words 😕 So be on the lookout!
Alternatives: Seasoned, Marinated, Baked
4. Rich
Meaning: Containing large amounts of fat, spices, sugar etc.
This one is a sneaker. I’ve ordered things like salads or grilled meats and been totally pleased with my choice because I didn’t understand the truth about that ‘rich something or the other dressing or sauce’ it was served with. Here’s to never making that mistake again.
Alternatives: Light, Viniagrette, Reduced
5. Slathered
Meaning: To spread or apply thickly
Slathered is usually used in reference to butter or spreads on toast and bread. Getting bread at restaurants is an issue on it’s own (one I’m still working on 😳 ) but if you must, be mindful. Ask for your butter/spread on the side or leave it out altogether.
Alternatives: On the side, lightly
There’s more:
These are just five, but there are literally dozens of words you should look out for when pursuing restaurant menus. Do some research before you go out and don’t be afraid to ask your server to explain how something is cooked if you don’t recognize the words.
More Words to Avoid: creamy, cheesy, buttered, au gratin, basted, country style, crunchy, giant, loaded, white sauce, hollandaise
More Healthy Alternatives: roasted, fresh, steamed, stir-fried, red sauce, poached
What about you?
What are some words you’ve found covering for unhealthy foods on restaurant menus? How do you stay healthy when eating out?
Share in the comments below!
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p.s. All definitions are courtesy Google
p.p.s. Originally published in April 2014
“Slathered” yuck – that word makes me gag.
Haha you’re right Mary. Slathered is probably one of the few that actually sounds as bad as it is!
You best believe I steer clear of those!!
Sauteed could also be a bad word too – you always have to specify what they should sautee the food in… Dredged and Drenched are two other bad words! 😉
GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted…That’s A Haunted House 2
I never even thought of sauteed :?And drenched and dredged are ‘good’ bad ones too! Thanks GiGi
Ah, I love that you included alternatives for each one. This is a super helpful post! I know I have a hard time making healthy choices when going out to eat, but often times that’s more because I view eating out as a treat, I think. Something to work on!
Ashleigh @ Passion for Life, Love, and Health recently posted…The First Step Toward Genuine Happiness
I hear ya Ashleigh eating out is a treat but it’s so easy to blow way to many calories when you’re not informed. Also, when I eat out, I like to make my meal a bit healthier so I can splurge on dessert 😉
Ohh yessss good one–slathered! haha, that one is sneakily notorious for being unhealthy. I think another good one is drowned??? Eating out is def. a challenge but it’s always doable!
ellie @ fit for the soul recently posted…Bloglift and Newness Ahead
Great tips! Thanks so much for sharing this on Waste Not Want Not Wednesday. I’m featuring it tonight and pinning it 🙂
Danielle @ Poor and Gluten Free recently posted…My GF Weekly Meal Plan
Glad you liked it Danielle and thanks doe sharing!
Love your health tips and your blog- which is why I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award! Broaden your network with share a bit about yourself with this fun award. Congrats! Details here: http://www.food4thoughtnyc.com/2014/04/19/introducing-me-the-liebster-award/
Thanks for the nomination Maribel!
Great tips! Eating out is so hard. I constantly order things I think are going to be healthy and then they come out covered in butter and fatty sauces.
Some other words to avoid: caramelized and sauteed. I gravitate toward grilled and steamed 🙂
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. recently posted…BurnThis: Social Media For Your Sweat Sesh
So true about caramelized. I tend to look out for it more when I’m ordering desserts but it’s crept up on me in apps and mains before as well!
Hey girlie! Just letting you know in case you didn’t see the post already, I finally got to the Liebster survey with some of your questions. 😀 Hope you’re having a good one.
ellie @ fit for the soul recently posted…Liebster Award Q&A
Ahhh 5 of my favorite words! But a good list to remember for summer season!
Madaline recently posted…Flowers in Rome {Part I}: Inspiration
I hear ya Madaline. These 5 words are generally the ones I used to make a beeline for on menus and summer is the worst because that’s when I eat out the most AND you have to watch out for all the fruity, sugary drinks as well!
“Decadent” = A week’s worth of calories
I don’t necessarily avoid “decadent” but I plan for it to minimize damage. It is usually used with a dessert so I split it with others.
But, here’s the thing I’ve learned–the word “decadent” is used rather liberally and most of the time it is anything but decadent (especially at chain restaurants where it is used with a chocolate dessert). For all I know, “decadent” is the brand name of the frozen dessert that has been imported from some warehouse in New Brunswick, NJ and reheated. Bleh. I’d much rather make my own decadent desserts at home for a special occasion than eat a warmed over dessert with that label slapped onto it.
(But I’m a bit of a food snob, anyway, and prefer my own cooking, anyway… 😉 )
DrJulieAnn – The Modern Retro Woman recently posted…Do You Know Your Figure’s Geometry? {Only Wear Beautiful Clothes}
Oh, yes: Stopping in from the #SITSSharefest this morning. Thank you for linking up so that I can discover your blog!
DrJulieAnn – The Modern Retro Woman recently posted…I Guess I’m Not A Traditional American Kind of Gal Anymore
LOL I totally agree with you. I hardly ever get dessert when I go out unless it’s a really upscale restaurant because I much prefer to make my own decadent desserts and indulge at home 😀
Thanks for stopping by Julie-Ann!
hahahaa SLATHERED! I have never seen that on a menu but I think it would be one to stay away from all right! I tend to look for BROILED, GRILLED, BAKED, ROASTED… and I often just ask for what I want.
GREAT TIPS!
Elle recently posted…Sunday Run Day
Yep. Slathered is a particularly weird word but I’ve seen it a time or two lol
Good tips! Crispy and crunchy are 2 I try to avoid too. Eating out can be challenging.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Fa-Waffles! Meatless Monday
Crunchy is a good one!
ugh, slathered just sounds GROSS. i’m actually sometimes weary of the word “fresh” – you really have to read beyond keywords and actually understand what you are ordering. great tips!
huh I never thought of staying away from fresh but really, what does it mean. I know nothing I’m eating in a restaurant is freshly picked/slaughtered in the kitchen but I never really thought about what it means haha
Yes, and i hate when they make things seem healthy and then you get it (like veggies) and it’s covered in butter/oil. Yuck! I honestly don’t eat out much and I think it’s because it’s so hard to find food I love that isn’t ruined by one of these descriptors above!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Flatbread Pizza with Hummus
True! I don’t mind if you understand what you’re getting into – sometimes a good crispy chicken something or other is just what you’re craving. But it sucks when places position their food to be healthy and unsuspecting people buy into the hype cuz they don’t get what the flowery words are hiding!!
Slathered and battered always make me queasy. Yuck.
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted…Mayhem Monday: Giving up my food loves
Oh man! All the stuff I love! Haha–it’s hard to eat healthy! Great post!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Taking the Long Way Home Book Club Book Review: 4:09:43 Boston Through the Eyes of the Runners by Hal Higdon
Slathered makes me want to gag.
But, dang, sometimes battered and crispy is just so tasty! I try to limit those significantly, though 🙂
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Motivate Me Monday 4/13 & #sexysmartstrong
Definitely. I’m all about eating unhealthy stuff in moderation, but I hate when restaurants try to hide the unhealthiness from unsuspecting people who think they’re being healthy. The should provide thesauruses or something so you actually know what you’re getting into before you decide haha
You are so right on with all of those words, hard to resist sometimes though 😉 Only once in a while and for special occasions do I go with something battered or fried.
Stephanie recently posted…Half Marathon Training Progress
Oh noes! Those are the best words!! Hee hee!!
Hollie recently posted…Boho on a Budget: 10 DIY Home Decor Projects {DIY bohemian}
These are great tips on reading a menu. Especially for a person that might not be privy to figuring out what’s healthy or not. Thanks for this post!
Ivanna recently posted…How To Be More Organized in 3 Easy Steps
Why awesome tips! You’re right, they make these sound so mouth watering and really it’s just fat and fried. I’ll pay attention next time I got out that’s for sure.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Week in Review: We Have Blossoms!
Great tips! Restaurants sure know how to make those dishes sound tasty. Creamy is another one.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Ragnar So Cal Recap
Yep. I avoid ‘creamy’ be default now cuz of the dairy but it’s everywhere!
Damn I didn’t even think about that, I love breaded, crispy, fried everything! haha.However, I’m a firm believer of if I’m eating out, I’m going to indulge 😉
Carmy recently posted…Thoughts on TYS10K
Makes sense! Indulging is a good thing as long as you know what you’re getting into 😀
“Slathered” makes me think of something being drenched in sauce. That just sounds absolutely disgusting!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Weekly Training Log – Week of April 6th
The world slathered sounds kind of disgusting actually, even without the meaning haha
Such a weird word lol
Great post and tips… although I do like all those words that you suggest I avoid. 😉
rachel recently posted…Fitness Fashion for Everyday Champions
haha so do I which is exactly why I needed to write the post lol
Awesome take on eating out! I’ve avoided these terms for a very long time 🙂
jill conyers recently posted…18-Minute HIIT Workout
Great suggestions! We live in the middle of nowhere Vermont, so when we actually make it out to eat at a restaurant, it’s typically a special occasion or treat. In which case, I go all out 😉 But these are great tips for those who hit restaurants frequently!
Yep! Indulging once in a while is fine. But since I plan to be lunching and brunching my way through spring/summer I need all the help I can get to stay healthy haha
Great tips, especially if you eat out often. But I admit, sometimes, the whole point of going out is to eat something I’d never make at home. ;o)
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Spring training is in the books!
Nice article!! I have to admit… my cheat meals… I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to this, but if it’s not a cheat meal, then you best believe I am paying attention to all of this!!!! 😉
Katie @ Huff ‘n Puff to Buff ‘n Tough recently posted…Huff ‘n Puff to Buff ‘n Tough’s 2nd Birthday & Victoria’s Secret Sport Giveaway
Slathered tends to be the one I avoid the most. x_x I just really don’t like the sound of it, haha. I usually go for grilled/steamed/broiled when I go out to eat! 😀
Farrah recently posted…Review: Journey To Healthy Eating
Slathered is definitely a weird word. It just sounds so strange when you say it out loud haha
And when you add in the meaning…well it’s best to avoid it lol
I hadn’t ever thought of this in quite that way before, but i think this is a really smart strategy!
Rachel G recently posted…If I Were a Niche Blogger…
Thanks Rachel!
I love this post because it is so helpful and necessary. I also like that you included alternative words to look for so that you don’t have to feel like you are missing out whenyou eat out.
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