Dining Out: Good Or Bad?

1. You will hurt your health if you don't eat everything on your plate at a restaurant. Large portions are "in". Clean your plate, or you're "out".

True

False

False. One of the best ways to control your weight is by self restraint at the table. Ask for a smaller portion, share an entree with a friend, or just stop eating and box up the leftovers for another time.

Explanation

False. One of the best ways to control your weight is by self restraint at the table. Ask for a smaller portion, share an entree with a friend, or just stop eating and box up the leftovers for another time.

2. You can still increase your risk of heart disease eating at so-called "health food" restaurants.

True

False

Ture. Even though vegetarian menus may offer fresh, wholesome possibilities, you'll still find high levels of saturated fat lurking in some of the dishes. For instance, look out for recipes that contain full-fat cheeses.

Explanation

Ture. Even though vegetarian menus may offer fresh, wholesome possibilities, you'll still find high levels of saturated fat lurking in some of the dishes. For instance, look out for recipes that contain full-fat cheeses.

3. If you really wanted to boost your dietary cholesterol and your chances of a heart attack, which of these options would do the job nicely?

Deep frying.

Pouring on the gravy and dressings.

Ending your meal with a high-fat pastry and whole-milk ice cream.

All of the above.

All of the above. Come on, we didn't expect you to get this one wrong! :)

Explanation

All of the above. Come on, we didn't expect you to get this one wrong! :)

4. You don't need to strike all fat from you restaurant order to eat heart healthy. But you do need to make wise choices with respect to the type and amount. Which of these tips can help lighten the load on your plate.

Stay away from fried appetizers and creamy soups. Being your meal with broth-based soup like minestone or gazpacho.

Make sure your entree is broiled, baked, grilled, steamed or poached instead of fried.

Order your dressings and sauces on the side so you can control how much you use.

All of the above.

All of the above. The fork stops here! You're in control of the choices you make at restaurants. Alter your order just a bit and you probably won't sacrifice taste - but you will enjoy a healthier meal.

Explanation

All of the above. The fork stops here! You're in control of the choices you make at restaurants. Alter your order just a bit and you probably won't sacrifice taste - but you will enjoy a healthier meal.

5. Fast food will kill you. Never go to a fast-food restaurant. Ever.

True

False

False. Admittedly, there has been a lot of hype about the dangers of living on a fast- food diet. But the industry is offering more healthy choices now. You can now find chef salads, grilled chicken, baked potatoes and frozen yogurt on many menus. Steer clear of fried foods and toppings such as cheese, bacon and mayonnaise, and you can live to fight another day.

Explanation

False. Admittedly, there has been a lot of hype about the dangers of living on a fast- food diet. But the industry is offering more healthy choices now. You can now find chef salads, grilled chicken, baked potatoes and frozen yogurt on many menus. Steer clear of fried foods and toppings such as cheese, bacon and mayonnaise, and you can live to fight another day.

6. There are lots of heart-healthy ways to order Mexican food. Which one of these should you stop at the border?

Fried tortilla chips.

Veracruz or tomato-based sauces.

Low-fat sour cream.

Fresh salsa.

Fried tortilla chips. A lot of Mexican food is fried in lard and topped with cheese, both sure recipes for increased risk of heart disease. Better to pass on the chips, skip the cheese and not eat the fried shell with your taco salad. You'll feel "muy bueno!"

Explanation

Fried tortilla chips. A lot of Mexican food is fried in lard and topped with cheese, both sure recipes for increased risk of heart disease. Better to pass on the chips, skip the cheese and not eat the fried shell with your taco salad. You'll feel "muy bueno!"

7. Restaurants frown on special requests. Asking for low-fat ingredients and less salt on your plate is a sure way to enrage the kitchen staff!

True

False

False. You're the customer - you pay the bill. The restaurant knows this and will likely be happy to substitute heart-healthy, low-fat ingredients and put less salt in any meal. If you're shy about asking in person, call in advance. And yes, its A-O-K to send your food back if it isn't prepared as requested.

Explanation

False. You're the customer - you pay the bill. The restaurant knows this and will likely be happy to substitute heart-healthy, low-fat ingredients and put less salt in any meal. If you're shy about asking in person, call in advance. And yes, its A-O-K to send your food back if it isn't prepared as requested.

8. Everyone knows the best way to start your day is with a heart-healthy breakfast. Which of these options is a terrible way to start your day?

A glass of fruit juice and whole-grain toast with low-fat cottage cheese.

A bowl of whole-grain cereal with fat-free milk.

A plate of pork sausage with white toast and whole eggs fried in butter.

Don't eat breakfast. Sleep late and rush off to greet your day!

A plate of pork sausage with white toast and whole eggs fried in butter. Actually, if you had the choice between this and skipping breakfast, you're better off skipping breakfast. Not that we're suggesting you skip breakfast, of course, we just want you to make a heart-healthy choice.

Explanation

A plate of pork sausage with white toast and whole eggs fried in butter. Actually, if you had the choice between this and skipping breakfast, you're better off skipping breakfast. Not that we're suggesting you skip breakfast, of course, we just want you to make a heart-healthy choice.