Americans love to dine out at many different types of restaurants. However, many of the menus at today’s popular eating establishments contain foods that offer little or no nutritional value and therefore may compromise the average person’s short-term and long-term health.

Today’s restaurant meals often have too many courses, portion sizes that are too big and foods that are too high in fats and sodium. People who educate themselves about the health content of menu choices and plan ahead before visiting restaurants can enjoy food that is both flavorful and healthful.

In general, it is best to select foods from a menu that are prepared in a simple manner. For example, steamed vegetables and broiled meats are healthful choices. It is often possible to request that foods be prepared in specific ways if healthy options are not listed on the menu.

Portion sizes play a major role in determining a meal’s nutritional value. In recent years, there has been a trend toward ever-increasing portion sizes. Requesting smaller portions or asking the server to box up part of the meal for later can make restaurant meals more healthful.

Since the end of World War II, fast-food restaurants have become a growing part of the American diet. Many of the menu choices at fast-food restaurants offer little nutritional value, and portion sizes at these establishments are often excessive. However, fast-food restaurants are increasingly offering low-fat alternatives that may be less damaging to a person’s health. In addition, fast-food content can be made healthier in many ways.

Foodborne illness can be a serious health problem. Although most restaurants in the United States adhere to strict public health codes, some occasionally lapse in cleanliness standards. When visiting a new restaurant, it is best to look for signs that the restaurant is clean. In addition, foods at salad bars and buffets should be kept at certain temperatures to ensure their safety.