Dining Out? Make Healthy Menu Selections

American families now spend as much as 50 percent of their food budget on meals away from home.

All this restaurant fare comes at a greater cost than what appears on the bill or is left in servers’ tips – harm to children’s health.

The obesity rate among kids and teens has skyrocketed right alongside rates of eating out.

And while fast food gets most of the blame, sit-down dining establishments shouldn’t be overlooked. Both add extra calories and sugary beverages to kids’ diets, a new study finds.

Reducing the Damage

You don’t have to ban diners or drive-­thrus. Smart choices can keep your family eating healthy at almost any establishment. Here’s how:

• Skip all-you-can-eat buffets. Everyone is more likely to overeat there.
• Take a family walk before or after a restaurant meal.
• Choose eateries with calorie counts on the menu, or scope out nutrition information online before you go.
• When you’re dining together with your kids, set an example. Order a salad or pick grilled foods over fried.