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5 Adjectives to Avoid when Eating Out

13 April, 2015 by Giselle Rochford 56 Comments

Hey Friends! How’s it goin?

With Spring finally on it’s way, very soon, the majority of my day will be spent meeting up and having fun with friends. And I know that’ll only increase as it continues to get warmer. A huge part of hanging out with friends, at least my friends, is food. 

Because of this I’ve had to learn to manage eating out with eating healthy. And I gotta tell ya, it isn’t always easy. Until all restaurants start listing nutritional facts and ingredients for all their dishes, eating healthy when eating out is a bit of a guessing game. 

5 words to avoid when trying to eat healthy while eating out via @ExSloth | ExSloth.com

But it isn’t impossible. What I want to talk about today, is how to spot unhealthy food on any menu, no matter where you are.

Restaurants love to talk up their meals using flowery adjectives that make your mouth water and your stomach growl. But those same words are the ones you have to look out for. The next time you read a restaurant menu, think of it as a reading comprehension. Focus on what the words mean rather than how they make you, and your stomach, feel. Then, make your decision.

[Tweet “5 Words to avoid on restaurant menus when trying to eat healthy #fitfluential”]

1. Breaded

Meaning: Coated with breadcrumbs and then fried

Traditional breadcrumbs contain so much sodium you probably shouldn’t even use them at home. And on top of that, the chicken strips, shrimp or whatever is also gonna be fried too. Hello, fat and clogged arteries…

Alternative: Seasoned, Baked, Broiled

2. Crispy

Meaning: Having a pleasingly firm, dry or brittle surface or texture

If you’re tying to eat healthy, you probably avoid deep-fried foods. So don’t let ‘crispy’ foods fool ya. It’s really just another word for deep-fried.

Alternatives: Seasoned, Baked, Broiled

3. Battered

Meaning: Coated in batter and deep fried until crisp

Fried foods are literally hiding everywhere. It’s common knowledge that you should avoid fried foods, so restaurants are getting pretty good at hiding them behind unassuming words πŸ˜• So be on the lookout!

Alternatives: Seasoned, Marinated, Baked

4. Rich

Meaning:   Containing large amounts of fat, spices, sugar etc.

This one is a sneaker. I’ve ordered things like salads or grilled meats and been totally pleased with my choice because I didn’t understand the truth about that ‘rich something or the other dressing or sauce’ it was served with. Here’s to never making that mistake again.

Alternatives: Light, Viniagrette, Reduced

5. Slathered

Meaning: To spread or apply thickly

Slathered is usually used in reference to butter or spreads on toast and bread. Getting bread at restaurants is an issue on it’s own (one I’m still working on 😳 ) but if you must, be mindful. Ask for your butter/spread on the side or leave it out altogether.

Alternatives: On the side, lightly

There’s more:

These are just five, but there are literally dozens of words you should look out for when pursuing restaurant menus. Do some research before you go out and don’t be afraid to ask your server to explain how something is cooked if you don’t recognize the words.

More Words to Avoid: creamy, cheesy, buttered, au gratin, basted, country style, crunchy, giant, loaded, white sauce, hollandaise 

More Healthy Alternatives: roasted, fresh, steamed, stir-fried, red sauce, poached 

What about you?

What are some words you’ve found covering for unhealthy foods on restaurant menus? How do you stay healthy when eating out?

Share in the comments below!

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Follow GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth’s board :: Nutrition Tips :: on Pinterest.

Linking up with: #FFavorites, Friday Favourites, Friday Five, Fitness Friday, FYI Friday, #didyouknowlink, #dishthefit, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Real Food Wednesday

p.s. All definitions are courtesy Google

p.p.s. Originally published in April 2014

Filed Under: Healthy Eating Tips, Healthy Living Tips

« Would you Rather? – The Ultimate Food Fight
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Comments

  1. Mary Long says

    16 April, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    “Slathered” yuck – that word makes me gag.

    Reply
  2. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

    16 April, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    You best believe I steer clear of those!!

    Sauteed could also be a bad word too – you always have to specify what they should sautee the food in… Dredged and Drenched are two other bad words! πŸ˜‰
    GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted…That’s A Haunted House 2

    Reply
  3. Ashleigh @ Passion for Life, Love, and Health says

    18 April, 2014 at 12:05 am

    Ah, I love that you included alternatives for each one. This is a super helpful post! I know I have a hard time making healthy choices when going out to eat, but often times that’s more because I view eating out as a treat, I think. Something to work on!
    Ashleigh @ Passion for Life, Love, and Health recently posted…The First Step Toward Genuine Happiness

    Reply
  4. ellie @ fit for the soul says

    22 April, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    Ohh yessss good one–slathered! haha, that one is sneakily notorious for being unhealthy. I think another good one is drowned??? Eating out is def. a challenge but it’s always doable!
    ellie @ fit for the soul recently posted…Bloglift and Newness Ahead

    Reply
  5. Danielle @ Poor and Gluten Free says

    22 April, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Great tips! Thanks so much for sharing this on Waste Not Want Not Wednesday. I’m featuring it tonight and pinning it πŸ™‚
    Danielle @ Poor and Gluten Free recently posted…My GF Weekly Meal Plan

    Reply
  6. Maribel says

    25 April, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    Love your health tips and your blog- which is why I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award! Broaden your network with share a bit about yourself with this fun award. Congrats! Details here: http://www.food4thoughtnyc.com/2014/04/19/introducing-me-the-liebster-award/

    Reply
  7. Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says

    28 April, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    Great tips! Eating out is so hard. I constantly order things I think are going to be healthy and then they come out covered in butter and fatty sauces.

    Some other words to avoid: caramelized and sauteed. I gravitate toward grilled and steamed πŸ™‚
    Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. recently posted…BurnThis: Social Media For Your Sweat Sesh

    Reply
  8. ellie @ fit for the soul says

    28 April, 2014 at 8:45 pm

    Hey girlie! Just letting you know in case you didn’t see the post already, I finally got to the Liebster survey with some of your questions. πŸ˜€ Hope you’re having a good one.
    ellie @ fit for the soul recently posted…Liebster Award Q&A

    Reply
  9. Madaline says

    10 May, 2014 at 3:39 am

    Ahhh 5 of my favorite words! But a good list to remember for summer season!
    Madaline recently posted…Flowers in Rome {Part I}: Inspiration

    Reply
  10. DrJulieAnn - The Modern Retro Woman says

    10 May, 2014 at 9:04 am

    “Decadent” = A week’s worth of calories

    I don’t necessarily avoid “decadent” but I plan for it to minimize damage. It is usually used with a dessert so I split it with others.

    But, here’s the thing I’ve learned–the word “decadent” is used rather liberally and most of the time it is anything but decadent (especially at chain restaurants where it is used with a chocolate dessert). For all I know, “decadent” is the brand name of the frozen dessert that has been imported from some warehouse in New Brunswick, NJ and reheated. Bleh. I’d much rather make my own decadent desserts at home for a special occasion than eat a warmed over dessert with that label slapped onto it.

    (But I’m a bit of a food snob, anyway, and prefer my own cooking, anyway… πŸ˜‰ )
    DrJulieAnn – The Modern Retro Woman recently posted…Do You Know Your Figure’s Geometry? {Only Wear Beautiful Clothes}

    Reply
    • DrJulieAnn - The Modern Retro Woman says

      10 May, 2014 at 9:07 am

      Oh, yes: Stopping in from the #SITSSharefest this morning. Thank you for linking up so that I can discover your blog!
      DrJulieAnn – The Modern Retro Woman recently posted…I Guess I’m Not A Traditional American Kind of Gal Anymore

      Reply
  11. Elle says

    13 April, 2015 at 10:12 am

    hahahaa SLATHERED! I have never seen that on a menu but I think it would be one to stay away from all right! I tend to look for BROILED, GRILLED, BAKED, ROASTED… and I often just ask for what I want.

    GREAT TIPS!
    Elle recently posted…Sunday Run Day

    Reply
  12. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    13 April, 2015 at 10:49 am

    Good tips! Crispy and crunchy are 2 I try to avoid too. Eating out can be challenging.
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Fa-Waffles! Meatless Monday

    Reply
  13. Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

    13 April, 2015 at 11:07 am

    ugh, slathered just sounds GROSS. i’m actually sometimes weary of the word “fresh” – you really have to read beyond keywords and actually understand what you are ordering. great tips!

    Reply
  14. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    13 April, 2015 at 11:11 am

    Yes, and i hate when they make things seem healthy and then you get it (like veggies) and it’s covered in butter/oil. Yuck! I honestly don’t eat out much and I think it’s because it’s so hard to find food I love that isn’t ruined by one of these descriptors above!
    Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Flatbread Pizza with Hummus

    Reply
  15. Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) says

    13 April, 2015 at 11:23 am

    Slathered and battered always make me queasy. Yuck.
    Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted…Mayhem Monday: Giving up my food loves

    Reply
  16. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    13 April, 2015 at 11:25 am

    Oh man! All the stuff I love! Haha–it’s hard to eat healthy! Great post!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Taking the Long Way Home Book Club Book Review: 4:09:43 Boston Through the Eyes of the Runners by Hal Higdon

    Reply
  17. Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says

    13 April, 2015 at 11:40 am

    Slathered makes me want to gag.
    But, dang, sometimes battered and crispy is just so tasty! I try to limit those significantly, though πŸ™‚
    Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Motivate Me Monday 4/13 & #sexysmartstrong

    Reply
  18. Stephanie says

    13 April, 2015 at 12:09 pm

    You are so right on with all of those words, hard to resist sometimes though πŸ˜‰ Only once in a while and for special occasions do I go with something battered or fried.
    Stephanie recently posted…Half Marathon Training Progress

    Reply
  19. Hollie says

    13 April, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    Oh noes! Those are the best words!! Hee hee!!
    Hollie recently posted…Boho on a Budget: 10 DIY Home Decor Projects {DIY bohemian}

    Reply
  20. Ivanna says

    13 April, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    These are great tips on reading a menu. Especially for a person that might not be privy to figuring out what’s healthy or not. Thanks for this post!
    Ivanna recently posted…How To Be More Organized in 3 Easy Steps

    Reply
  21. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    13 April, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    Why awesome tips! You’re right, they make these sound so mouth watering and really it’s just fat and fried. I’ll pay attention next time I got out that’s for sure.
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Week in Review: We Have Blossoms!

    Reply
  22. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    13 April, 2015 at 6:55 pm

    Great tips! Restaurants sure know how to make those dishes sound tasty. Creamy is another one.
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Ragnar So Cal Recap

    Reply
  23. Carmy says

    13 April, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    Damn I didn’t even think about that, I love breaded, crispy, fried everything! haha.However, I’m a firm believer of if I’m eating out, I’m going to indulge πŸ˜‰
    Carmy recently posted…Thoughts on TYS10K

    Reply
  24. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    13 April, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    “Slathered” makes me think of something being drenched in sauce. That just sounds absolutely disgusting!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Weekly Training Log – Week of April 6th

    Reply
  25. rachel says

    13 April, 2015 at 10:19 pm

    Great post and tips… although I do like all those words that you suggest I avoid. πŸ˜‰
    rachel recently posted…Fitness Fashion for Everyday Champions

    Reply
  26. jill conyers says

    14 April, 2015 at 5:55 am

    Awesome take on eating out! I’ve avoided these terms for a very long time πŸ™‚
    jill conyers recently posted…18-Minute HIIT Workout

    Reply
  27. RFC says

    14 April, 2015 at 6:06 am

    Great suggestions! We live in the middle of nowhere Vermont, so when we actually make it out to eat at a restaurant, it’s typically a special occasion or treat. In which case, I go all out πŸ˜‰ But these are great tips for those who hit restaurants frequently!

    Reply
  28. MCM Mama Runs says

    14 April, 2015 at 7:45 am

    Great tips, especially if you eat out often. But I admit, sometimes, the whole point of going out is to eat something I’d never make at home. ;o)
    MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Spring training is in the books!

    Reply
  29. Katie @ Huff 'n Puff to Buff 'n Tough says

    14 April, 2015 at 6:47 pm

    Nice article!! I have to admit… my cheat meals… I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to this, but if it’s not a cheat meal, then you best believe I am paying attention to all of this!!!! πŸ˜‰
    Katie @ Huff ‘n Puff to Buff ‘n Tough recently posted…Huff ‘n Puff to Buff ‘n Tough’s 2nd Birthday & Victoria’s Secret Sport Giveaway

    Reply
  30. Farrah says

    15 April, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Slathered tends to be the one I avoid the most. x_x I just really don’t like the sound of it, haha. I usually go for grilled/steamed/broiled when I go out to eat! πŸ˜€
    Farrah recently posted…Review: Journey To Healthy Eating

    Reply
  31. Rachel G says

    15 April, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    I hadn’t ever thought of this in quite that way before, but i think this is a really smart strategy!
    Rachel G recently posted…If I Were a Niche Blogger…

    Reply
  32. GinaB @ Mirror Watching says

    16 April, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    I love this post because it is so helpful and necessary. I also like that you included alternative words to look for so that you don’t have to feel like you are missing out whenyou eat out.
    GinaB @ Mirror Watching recently posted…Flash Forward Five

    Reply
  33. restaurant Geelong says

    3 February, 2024 at 6:58 am

    Enjoying a meal prepared by professional chefs ensures high-quality ingredients, expert cooking techniques, and attention to presentation, elevating the dining experience.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Good Reads: Sports Bras, Healthy Cooking & Eating, Defending CrossFit | Life on Planetmarsz says:
    18 April, 2014 at 8:03 am

    […] 5 Adjectives to Avoid While Eating Out (Diary of an Ex-Sloth): Crispy, Slathered, Battered, Breaded, and Rich…yep, those are some tempting, but also some naughty adjectives when it comes to foods! Giselle offers great alternatives for some of your favorite foods that just might contain those words. Great things to remember! […]

    Reply

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