Good Lifestyle

Considering the word "mangia" meaning "eating" is the anthem ofItalian cultureit's sometimes difficultnot too downgrading during the restoration, putting hand on theBeloved cuisine. There is a common stereotype that, when it comes to Italian, you eat delicious food, but many of them at a time. That said, it's important to be aware of what you choose to consume toAvoid high calorie, grease and sodium admission. And there is a dish that is really the worst to order aItalian restaurant.

So, what should you avoid ordering?

We recorded with Amy Tao, MS,Well-being based To educate us on the worst dish possible, you should never order in an Italian restaurant. While it recommends eliminating pasta sausages or pizza dishes andAvoid starters Like the mozzarella sticks and french squid because of the high content of sodium and fat, the nutritionist says there is a popular dish that you should really stay away in an Italian restaurant. In addition, there is another problematic ingredient looking at Italian restaurant menus that you will want to avoid escaping. (And while you make healthier choices, be sure to storeThe 7 healthiest foods to eat right now!)

Without further delay, the worst flat where you should never order in an Italian restaurant is ...

Parmesan chicken

According to Tao, the succulent breaded chicken - generally stifled with sauce and marinara cheese and served with one side of pasta - is the meal that should be avoided. (If you are looking for additional help navigation menus,Your ultimate survival guide and supermarket is here!)

"Although we often talk about things like fat when we think" unhealthy ", we also need to consider other crucial components of the nutritional makeup of a food, such as the contents of sodium, salt and fiber," she stated.

She pointed out that at the popularOlive Garden Chain RestaurantThe parmigiana giant chicken contains 1,780 calories, 43 grams of saturated grease, 1 gram of trans fat and a coarse 4,560 milligrams of sodium. The regular parmigiana chicken dish is not much better because it comes in more than 1,000 calories and has 2,980 milligrams of sodium.

"This dinner, without any of the appetizers, dessert or drinks, contains what would be a day of calories for most people and about two days of sodium!" Tao said.

A similar version of the dish served at theMacaroni grill of Romano Contains a little less calorie and significantly less sodium, but is still rich in sodium for a 1,890 milligrams meal, she pointed out. A look atMaggiano menu Reveals a chicken parmesan dish containing 3,070 milligrams of sodium.

"And forgets the Veal Parmesan, which is the same dish with veal instead of chicken, as it is barely less than 5,000 mg of sodium!" The expert said.

The largest trend among this classic dish in these frequently visited restaurants is the high sodium content.

"According to the CDC, The majority of sodium we consume comes from processed foods and restaurants, "Tao said. Consuming too much sodium, unfortunately, has an inverse relationship with blood pressure levels,by the CDC.

"Those with high blood pressure levels at 130/80 or more are considered to have a hypertension and are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke," she said. "In 2017, nearly half of the US adults had hypertension or treated with medications for hypertension."

But it's not the only dish you need to be wary. It's true, there is another culprit hidden on the menus of Italian restaurants ...

Alfred's sauce

Alfredo sauce, loaded with butter, thick cream and cheese, is delicious on pasta likeFettuccine And even more delicious with chicken. But it's far from being a healthy choice because of high sodium, fat and calories, explained Tao.

For example, the Alfredo Fettuccine of Maggiano contains 1,430 calories, 79 grams of fat, 40 grams of saturated fat and 4,310 milligrams of sodium, the version of the oily garden of the dish contains 1 010 calories, 56 grams of fat, 34 Grams of saturated fat and 850 mg sodium and the macaroni grill version of Romano contains 1,040 calories, 59 grams of fat, 36 grams of saturated fat and 1,630 milligrams of sodium. "All these versions contain up to or more a day of calories!" she said.

These dishes are also high in saturated fats, which are not essential to our plan, as they have been linked to an increased risk of coronary disease and ischemic stroke, according to one2017 study.

"Although new studies come out with up-to-date information that can contradict some of the long-standing thoughts regarding the negative implications of fatty fats on a consumer's health, it is always prudent to say thata lot of saturated fats are better off to be replaced bypolyunsaturated fats, "Tao said." Consuming polyunsaturated fatty acids has been shown slightlyReduce the risk of heart disease and combined events of the heart and stroke. "

What should you eat in an Italian restaurant instead?

Do not let these unhealthy choices dissuade you from living the beauty of Italian cuisine. Believe it or not, there are many healthy options too. "Opt for shrimp cocktail, steam or clam cooked, a broth or tomato soup such as minestrone, or a green salad to start," Tao said for the aperitif's course.

"For your entry, enjoy a vegetable sauce, such as Marinara sauce, and when you choose the addition of a protein, avoid those that have been fries and opt for a chicken or grilled fish option Or baked, "she continued with regard to the main course." Choose grilled vegetables or steamed and if you want to lose pasta, simply order a small side. "

Although it is difficult to control the way things are prepared when you dinner, you can ask for simple modifications.

"When ordering your protein or your vegetables and you look at your salt consumption, ask yourself if they can be cooked without salt and season of your own food when it comes out," said Tao. "In addition, you can also ask for them to use olive oil rather than butter."

Keep these tips in mind and you will be able to make smarter choices the next time you offer someItalian classic food.