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Eating Out When You Have Diabetes Woman ordering fast food

Eating right is an important part of keeping your blood sugar in your target range. You just need to make healthy choices. When you eat away from home:

Try These Tips

  • Ask how foods are prepared before you order.

  • Instead of fried, sautéed, or breaded foods, choose ones that are broiled, steamed, grilled, or baked.

  • Ask for sauces and dressings on the side.

  • Only eat an amount that fits your meal plan. Remember: You can take home the leftovers.

  • Reserve dessert for special occasions. Then, choose a small dessert or share one with a friend or family member.

Make Healthy Choices

Fast Food

  • Garden salad with light dressing on the side  

  • Baked potato with vegetables or herbs

  • Broiled, roasted, or grilled chicken sandwich

  • Sliced turkey or lean roast beef sandwich

Mexican

  • Chicken enchilada, no cheese or sour cream 

  • Small burrito with whole beans and chicken

  • Whole beans (not refried) and rice

  • Chicken or fish fajitas

Steak House

  • Grilled or broiled lean cuts of beef

  • Baked potato with vegetables or herbs

  • Broiled or baked chicken (don’t eat the skin)

  • Steamed vegetables

Asian

  • Steamed dumplings or potstickers                 

  • Broiled, boiled, or steamed meats or fish

  • Sushi or sashimi

  • Steamed rice or boiled noodles (one serving is equal to 1/3 cup)
Online Source: National Diabetes Education Program http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/Buffet_Gen.pdf
Online Source: Canadian Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/eatingout.asp
Online Source: American Dietetic Association http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/eatingoutguide.jsp
Online Medical Reviewer: Happel, Cindy MEd, RD
Date Last Reviewed: 1/15/2007
Date Last Modified: 8/21/2007