Healthier Dining Out is as Easy as 1-2-3

Think of the last time you grabbed lunch with a friend, picked up food for the family, or stopped off at a fast casual restaurant to feed your kids in between one after school activity and homework. If it was just yesterday or the day before, you are not alone! Americans are now going to restaurants about four times a week. Parents are busy, kids are busy and the days are often too short for cooking. We used to go to restaurants to celebrate, treat ourselves and spend quality time with family and friends. We still do that, but we also go to restaurants for convenience more than ever. We are spending more of our food budget at restaurants and take-out places than we do at the grocery store.

Since we are going to restaurants so frequently, it is important to think about how ordering habits affect your health. Here are three easy tips to keep you and your kids in line with your health goals when eating out:

1. Choose water or milk every time.

2. Choose fruit or veggies as the side dish.

3. Skip the fried foods. Choose grilled, baked, steamed, or broiled options instead.

Remember, small changes to how you order can make a big difference.

As you may know, PHFE WIC has been working with LA County Department of Public Health to improve restaurant menus over the last year. Through the program, Choose Health LA Restaurants, over 700 restaurant locations are offering menus that make it easier for you and your family to choose smaller portions of the foods you love and pick healthier kids meals that come with fruits and vegetables and have more non-fried options. Find more healthy eating out tips and a list of Choose Health LA Restaurants at www.ChooseHealthLA.com/restaurants