While studies have shown that a healthier choice is to eat wholesome, home-cooked meals, preferably ones prepared at Let’s Dish!, the reality is that every once in a while, you go out to eat. And, sometimes it’s even fun to go out with your family. But that plaguing guilt, confusion and paralysis that takes over when you look at the giant menu with more options than you even have time to read before the waiter asks for your order - gasp, deep breath - is not fun.

Rick recommended RealAge to you in his post last week - and now true to our word, we’ve offering you some more of their expertise.  In their Food Bites feature, RealAge offers the some tips for you when you go to five popular restaraunt chains.  From Chili’s to Cheesecake Factory, read up on what to look for when you pick up that giant menu:

Best and Worst Choices at Five Restaurant Chains
RealAge Food Bites

And, one final reminder - restaurants are required by law to have the nutrition facts for the menu on site, so remember you can always ask for it if you’d like to see the facts before you order.  They are not required to have hand-out copies available for customers, so it’s not always easy but it pays to be persistent in this case.

For Let’s Dish! meals, you can always see the nutrition facts, ingredients and more online when you click on the “View Nutrition and Details” link on our monthly menu.  On the nutrition screen for select dishes, we also offer tips on how you can modify the meal on your own when dishing to make it gluten/wheat free, dairy free, lower sodium, and even vegetarian. 

In a hurry?  Look for our handy heart healthy   and multigrain/whole wheat-options available  icons to make meal delicious and healthful choices.