By Briana Hayes
Staff Writer

If you are trying to eat healthily, do not fear eating out. Just because you have heard horror stories about the number of calories, fat, and sodium in restaurant foods doesn’t mean that they will destroy your diet.

It is true that most restaurants provide food that is loaded with calories, saturated fat, sodium, too many portions and not enough vegetables with too many carbohydrates. However, most restaurants also have healthy food items on their menu that are labeled as such or even full menu sections dedicated to healthier choices.

In today’s society, restaurants know that they are under close supervision when it comes to the health of their food. They are critiqued and evaluated by the government and their consumers.

In order for their businesses to succeed, dining facilities had to make healthier options so that their consumers would want to come back. So even if they keep the loaded nachos with six types of cheeses and salty tortilla chips, at least they provide the choice of grilled tilapia with a fresh salsa.

Because of this you can go almost anywhere and order something that is tasty and good for you. For example, Panera Bread – somewhere most of us go to more often than we would like to admit – has an entire menu that is not listed on the boards behind the registers.

The menu consists of hummus bowls with grilled chicken and veggies with hummus and other healthier options. If you want to eat healthily, it is going to be a little bit more work, but definitely worth it.

People go to restaurants for their birthdays, for celebrations, and to be social. Why would you want to miss out just because you are trying to eat healthily? If you know the restaurant you are going to go to you can look up the menu and nutrition facts online.

Most restaurants post their entire menus and nutrition facts for their food. This will allow you to not be stumped while reading the menu at the table and know exactly what you want before you even go. Preparation is key.

Now that the Red Sox are in the World Series, Yard House is more likely to be full of fans as they eat good food and drink the plethora of drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) that are available. Yard House has multiple options that will keep your diet on track.

The Ahi Tuna Burger is a grilled tuna burger that can be put on a whole wheat bun with a citrus soy salad on the side. Another good choice if you are looking for something more on the appetizer side would be Shrimp Ceviche Spoons that come with a mango and papaya chutney.

Another local restaurant is Pita Pit. This hidden gem is located on Harvard Street in Brookline. Instead of serving their fast food in an unhealthy manner, Pita Pit strives to be healthy and fast.

You have a choice between a white and whole wheat Lebanese-style pita with fresh veggies and lean meats, as well as veggies burgers and a variety of sauces.
A good option for lunch or a light dinner with friends would be the Chicken Souvlaki with
Mediterranean seasoned chicken, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and tzatziki. You get protein, veggies, and good carbs all wrapped to go.

Even chain restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Changs have healthy options. Cheesecake Factory has an entire Skinnylicious menu and P.F. Changs has many options such as “Buddha’s Feast,” which is a vegetarian dish with tofu and vegetables tossed in a soy sauce. The serving size is big enough to fill you but not packed with dangerous and fattening calories.

Eating out doesn’t have to be a struggle and can be quite easy if you are aware of your options. You can always order sauce on the side and modify any dish to suit your needs. Don’t let eating healthily stop you from enjoying your life.