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Quick Guide: Italian Restaurants

Healthy Choices at Italian Restaurants

From , former About.com Guide

Updated January 10, 2010

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Italian food

Vegetarian options are often among the most healthy choices at Italian restaurants.

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Check out our dining out "Quick Guides" for the best and worst dishes at many different types of restaurants. This guide will help you make healthy choices at Italian restaurants.

Choose:

  • tossed salad
  • shrimp cocktail
  • tomato or broth-based soup (such as minestrone)
  • grilled calamari
  • grilled chicken
  • chicken cacciatore
  • gnocchi
  • marinara/red sauce
  • vegetarian pizza
  • steamed, broiled or boiled seafood

Avoid:

  • antipasto
  • fried calamari
  • garlic bread
  • cheese bread
  • cheese sticks
  • lasagna
  • manicotti
  • chicken or veal marsala
  • ravioli
  • tortelini
  • Alfredo or other cream- or cheese-based sauces

To search the nutritional information for many other restaurant foods, visit About.com's Calorie Count.

More Dining Out "Quick Guides":

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