In general, it would depend on what the appetizer is and what you are ordering for your entrée. Pairing two high calorie, high fat items together is not the healthiest strategy when dining out. While many appetizers get a bad rap for being deep fried and loaded with sodium, they also can be a healthy way to start your meal. Look for appetizers that are not fried and focus on fruit, vegetables and/or lean protein. Such appetizers could range anywhere from a
more...
Where can I find the calories for a fish nugget dinner?
The amount of calories and other nutrient levels for a fish nugget dinner can vary widely from one restaurant to the next. Calorie levels for menu items are affected by a number of factors, including the recipe, any accompanying side dishes, specific ingredients, quantities and cooking preparation. For example, one restaurant may choose to marinate the fish in lemon juice and olive oil and then coat it with breadcrumbs before baking. Another may coat the fish with egg and flour before
more...
What are good alternatives to meat when making vegetarian food?
The Meatless Monday health campaign is sweeping the nation. Not only is incorporating plant based foods into your diet good for your health, it’s easy on both your pocket book and the environment. Meat substitutes like soybeans, tofu and meat analogue (such as vegetarian “chicken” or “beef”) products can fill you up while giving you a protein boost. Beans like black beans, cannellini beans and
more...
Is sesame seeds/oil considered a “superfood?”
Question: "I read in a magazine that sesame seeds/oil is considered a “superfood.” Is this true?"
Sesame is a great, healthy addition to any diet and is considered a superfood by many. Being a “superfood” means that it has added health benefits and often contains high amounts of nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Many different cultures use sesame
more...
Are veggie burgers better for you?
Veggie burgers are a great choice for vegetarians and those looking to lower their saturated fat intake. Veggie burgers come in many varieties; some are packed with soy proteins or cheese, while others contain actual veggies and whole grains, like brown rice and quinoa. Be careful, though, as sometimes restaurants deep fry their veggie burgers to add flavor and texture, a process that adds more calories. Some packaged/processed patties can be higher in sodium than traditional beef burgers.
more...
How do I add more fiber to my diet?
Hello Healthy Diners! A really good question came up last week about fiber and whether added fiber in products is beneficial. Here's what our dietitians have to say:
Added fiber is beneficial, but make sure you're getting fiber from a variety of different sources, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, not only what's added into products.
Fiber has many different health benefits, such as helping to lower blood cholesterol
more...