Understanding Menu Terms

One of the challenges of healthy eating is knowing how to spot lower-calorie, lower-fat dishes on a menu. The following guide can help you make informed choices.

Sauces

Sauces that are lower in calories and fat:

• Bourguignon. Sauce made by braising meat with red wine, carrots, onion, flour and mushrooms.

• Marinara. A highly seasoned tomato sauce made with onions, garlic and oregano.

Sauces that are high in calories and fat:

• Alfredo. Creamy Italian sauce prepared with butter, heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.

• Bechamel. Sauce made with white wine, vinegar, shallots, egg yolks and butter.

• Bolognese. A thick meat sauce made with ground meat sautéed in butter and/or olive oil with wine, milk or cream added.

• Hollandaise. Sauce made with egg yolks, butter and lemon juice.

• Veloute. Sauce made with beef or chicken stock, eggs and cream.

High-sodium dishes

Items on the menu that include these terms or ingredients are high in salt/sodium:

• Cured

• In broth

• Marinated

• Pickled

• Smoked

• Teriyaki

• Creole sauce

• Cocktail sauce

• Soy sauce