It’s important to understand what's on the menu when you eat out. The good news: You can eat heart-healthy if you know what to look for.  Many restaurants offer delicious meals that are low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, or will prepare your food to order. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that the meals you eat away from home are part of a healthy diet.

Follow these tips when ordering your meal:

• Avoid ordering before-the-meal “extras” like cocktails, appetizers, bread and butter because these are often sources of extra fat, sodium and calories.
   
• Ask for butter, cream cheese, salad dressings, sauces and gravies to be served on the side, so you can control the quantity you consume. Instead of fried oysters, or fried fish or chicken, choose boiled spiced shrimp, or baked, boiled or grilled fish or chicken. Steer clear of high-sodium foods – including any food that’s served pickled, in cocktail sauce, smoked, in broth or au jus, or in soy or teriyaki sauce. Avoid dishes with lots of cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise.
   
• Be selective at salad bars. Choose fresh greens, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, garbanzo beans and reduced-fat, low-fat, light or fat-free dressings. Avoid cheeses, marinated salads, pasta salads and fruit salads with whipped cream.
   
• Choose desserts carefully. Fresh fruit, fruit ice, sherbet, gelatin and angel food cake are good alternatives to more traditional fat- and cream-laden desserts. Use fat-free or 1% milk in coffee instead of cream or half-and-half.