12 Foods You Should Never Order at a Restaurant
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Eating out at restaurants can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to choose menu items wisely. While some dishes may sound tempting, they might not be the best choice for your health or your budget. Certain foods often come with hidden downsides, such as high calorie counts, questionable ingredients, or poor value for money. Knowing which items to avoid can help you make better choices for your meal. Here are 12 foods to think twice about before ordering at a restaurant.
Swordfish or Shark
Swordfish and shark are both high in mercury, a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems if consumed in large amounts. Pregnant women and young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of mercury, which can damage the nervous system and lead to developmental delays. Instead of ordering these fish, opt for lower-mercury options like salmon, tilapia, or cod.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar salad may sound like a healthy option, but it’s often loaded with hidden calories and fat. The dressing is usually made with mayonnaise and cheese, and the croutons and parmesan cheese add even more fat and calories. A typical restaurant Caesar salad can have over 1,000 calories and 80 grams of fat. If you’re craving a salad, opt for one with grilled chicken, plenty of veggies, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
Well-Done Steak
Ordering a well-done steak at a restaurant is a waste of money and a sure way to end up with a tough, flavorless piece of meat. When you order a steak well-done, the high heat and long cooking time can cause the proteins to seize up and become dry and chewy. Plus, many restaurants use lower-quality cuts of meat for well-done orders, since they know the flavor will be compromised anyway. If you insist on having your steak cooked all the way through, consider ordering a different cut of meat that’s better suited to longer cooking times, like a braised short rib or a pot roast.
Iceberg Wedge Salad
Iceberg wedge salads are a staple on many restaurant menus, but they’re not doing your health any favors. Iceberg lettuce is mostly water and has very little nutritional value, and the toppings – usually bacon, blue cheese, and a creamy dressing – add a lot of fat and calories. If you’re in the mood for a salad, choose one with darker, leafy greens like spinach or arugula, and top it with plenty of colorful veggies and a light, homemade dressing.
Supersized Portions
Many restaurants serve portions that are way too big for one person, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat it all. Supersized portions can lead to overeating and weight gain, not to mention a bigger bill at the end of the meal. Instead of ordering the biggest size available, consider sharing an entree with a friend or taking half of your meal home for leftovers. You can also ask your server about half-portions or lunch-sized options.
Soda
Soda is a common beverage choice at restaurants, but it’s one of the worst things you can drink for your health. Soda is loaded with sugar and empty calories, and has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health problems. Plus, many restaurants charge a premium for soda, so you’re paying a lot of money for something that’s bad for you. If you’re thirsty, opt for water, unsweetened iced tea, or a small glass of 100% fruit juice instead.
Fried Appetizers
Fried appetizers like mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and jalapeno poppers may be tasty, but they’re also loaded with fat, calories, and sodium. These foods are often deep-fried in unhealthy oils and served with high-calorie dipping sauces. If you’re in the mood for a pre-meal snack, opt for healthier options like raw veggies with hummus, shrimp cocktail, or a small cup of soup.
Oversized Deli Sandwiches
Deli sandwiches can be a satisfying meal, but many restaurants serve oversized portions that are way too big for one person. These sandwiches are often loaded with high-fat meats, cheeses, and condiments, and served on oversized rolls or buns. To make a healthier choice, opt for a half-sandwich or a wrap, and load up on veggies like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
Margarine
Many restaurants serve margarine instead of butter, but this isn’t necessarily a healthier choice. Margarine is often made with partially hydrogenated oils, which are high in unhealthy trans fats. Trans fats have been linked to heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health problems. If you’re offered margarine at a restaurant, ask for butter instead, or skip the spread altogether.
Salad Toppings
Salad bars can be a great way to get your veggies, but be careful about the toppings you choose. Many salad bar staples, like croutons, bacon bits, and shredded cheese, are high in calories and fat. Other toppings, like canned fruit or pasta salads, may be loaded with added sugars or unhealthy oils. To make a healthier salad, stick with raw veggies, lean proteins like grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs, and a light, homemade dressing.
Anything “All You Can Eat”
All-you-can-eat buffets and specials may seem like a good deal, but they’re often a recipe for overeating and poor food choices. When faced with an endless array of options, it’s easy to overload your plate and go back for seconds (or thirds). Plus, many all-you-can-eat dishes are high in calories, fat, and sodium. If you do choose an all-you-can-eat option, be mindful of your portion sizes and focus on filling up on healthier options like fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.
Desserts
Restaurant desserts are often oversized and loaded with sugar, fat, and calories. A single slice of cake or pie can have over 1,000 calories, and even seemingly healthier options like fruit crisps or ice cream sundaes can be surprisingly high in sugar and fat. If you’re craving something sweet after your meal, consider sharing a dessert with a friend or opting for a small, simple treat like a scoop of sorbet or a square of dark chocolate.
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