What do you do when you want to dine out but you still want to make healthy choices? Many restaurants don't make it easy, serving enormous portions and fried, saucy foods. However, it is possible to eat delicious food at your favorite Italian restaurant and still make healthy choices. Here's how. 

Try These Healthy Options The Next Time You Eat Italian

1. Oil and Vinegar or Balsamic Dressing

A good Italian meal begins with a salad. A delicious Italian salad is dressed with oil and vinegar or balsamic dressing rather than a creamy, high-calorie ranch or French dressing. Ask your server if the restaurant offers a special house dressing or if they have a recommendation. Explore the flavors of the restaurant and the results are sure to delight your tastebuds and keep your meal on a healthy track.

2. Minestrone or Bruschetta

Appetizers are commonly enjoyed between your salad and your entrée. They're also often battered and deep-fried, making them a not-so-healthy addition to your meal. However, there are some tasty and healthy options. Try a broth-based soup like minestrone, loaded with vegetables, or bruschetta. A standard in any Italian restaurant, the beautiful toasted garlic bread topped with diced tomato and basil is a delicious, healthy classic. 

3. Baked, Grilled, or Roasted

When you're ready for your main dish, making healthy choices is about how your protein and vegetables are cooked. Deep-fried may be delectable, but it's also a method of cooking to be avoided as much as possible. Frying not only adds calories, but since it occurs at such high temperatures, foods may contain trans fats, which are hard for your body to break down. Trans fats also increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. To avoid the risk associated with deep-fried foods, stick to meats and vegetables that are baked, grilled, or roasted. These methods of cooking leave out the extra fat and calories while keeping all the flavor. 

Paul's Pasta Shop in Groton, CT, is Southeastern Connecticut's favorite Italian restaurant. For 30 years, they've been serving their fresh-made pasta to local generations of families. With daily specials and friendly staff, there's always a reason to visit. Enjoy a shorter wait and less crowded dining between the hours of 2pm and 5pm. To order by phone, call (860) 445-5276 or visit the website for more information and their full menu.