Diners looking for healthy alternatives in restaurants have an on line source that points them in the right direction, Healthy Dining Finder. Just put in a zip code and get information on restaurants that offer healthy choices on their menu. Click on the restaurants link and you go to a page with the nutritional information. The nutritional information is supplied by the restaurant and they do not have a large selection yet, but as restaurants discover the site, they will be more than anxious to get their information listed. This will be a big help to those heading to a strange city for vacation. Just think of the time it will save trying to find a diet friendly eating place.
Looking around in Queens, New York, I found some of interesting restaurants, some of which I am very familiar with.
Sizzler (at 100-27 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375) has been a favorite place for me since it opened. They have five items listed, Grilled Salmon-without tarter sauce and the cheese bread, Grilled Shrimp Skewers (2 Skewers). In order to make this one healthy, you have to request less margarine. It also happens to be one of my favorites. Petite Lunch Steak with broccoli and without the cheese toast. Double Lemon Herb Chicken served with rice pilaf and without the cheese toast and last but not least the Double Hibachi Chicken with broccoli and without the cheese toast.
Burger King has even more options. The fast food industry is beginning to learn that they should be paying more attention to the health conscious consumer. They have such item as Tendergrill Chicken Garden Salad — but without the dressing — BK veggie burger, Tendergrill chicken sandwich, Whopper Jr., without the mayo and the side garden salad. They also have low cal salad dressings.
Blue Water Grill (at 31 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003) is one of the most popular restaurants in New York. They have a salmon tataki salad, but you must order less pecans, chicken teriyaki salad, poached black bass and big eye tuna without the dressing.
Thinking about the other restaurants that I like to frequent, I find some similarities. Of course, New York does give more options than many other parts of the country. Most restaurants offer salad options and fish as well and following the hints from the nutritional information, I could very possibly go to most of them and make one of their dishes more healthy.
Something as simple as not eating bread and asking for a slice of lemon instead of salad dressing or tarter sauce can make a big difference. It is not the basic food that puts on the pounds, it is what we dress it up with. As a matter of fact, with the possible exception of the corner diner, most restaurants have items that make for a healthy meal. They just need to get the word out about them and Healthy Dining Finder is a great way to do it.
