restaurants that offer low fat dining

[lidec]

We are traveling with my parents to Orlando. My Mom had gall bladder surgery and has to be on a low fat diet. What restaurants are in the Orlando area that offer low fat dining?

 

[englishteacha]

Well, I know Ponderosa has some nice grilled chicken and steak options. If you're careful during the buffet part, you can have a tasty, healthy meal. I think Cracker Barrel also offers some lighter options.

 

[Acklander]

I like Season's 52

 

[Luv Bunnies]

In my experience, you can get low-fat food at almost any restaurant. You just need to know how to order and you need to be very specific about what you want. For example, order grilled chicken or fish without added oil or butter. Plain baked potatoes are better than mashed potatoes or rice since you don't know what they've added to them. Asked if vegetables are steamed without fat or butter. Order sandwiches dry (no mayo or other dressings). You can ask for mustard (which has no fat) on the side. Make sure sandwiches aren't grilled which usually means added butter. One of my favorite low-fat lunches is a turkey sandwich on wheat, dry, no cheese with lettuce and tomato with a side of fruit instead of fries. Ask if the restaurant has low or no-fat salad dressings. If not, ask for a lemon slice or vinegar on the side. Or better yet, mom can carry her own packets of dressing to use when nothing else is available.

The key is to look for things on the menu that you can ask them to modify. Like if they have chicken dishes that look too rich, ask for them without the sauce. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate these requests.

By the way, I had my gallbladder removed about 7 years ago. I was told to start out with a low-fat diet and then gradually add the good stuff back in if I could tolerate it. I didn't have any problems at all. I try to stick with low-fat in general because it's healthier but the occasional high-fat splurge doesn't bother me at all. Hopefully it will be easy for your mom, too! Hope you have a great trip!