While many people think that enjoying your fair share of steak at Longhorn Steakhouse will eventually spell trouble for your health, this is not necessarily so. You can still eat steak yet stick to your heart-healthy diet by keeping these tips in mind.
Eat in Moderation
Red meat is not as evil as nutritionists paint the juicy, succulent and flavorful slabs to be. The trick is in eating it in moderation with the ideal portion being 3 ounces of thinly sliced steaks for your meal. You may also order a 6-ounce steak but be sure to eat non-meat entrees for your other meals during the day.
Trim the Fat
If the restaurant allows personalized orders – most of these establishments do – you can request that the visible fat be trimmed from your slab of meat. You will be reducing your steak’s fat content, which means you can enjoy it without feeling too guilty about the state of your arteries.
Ask About the Seafood
If you want the protein without the saturated fat, then your best choices are the seafood dishes. You should look at the menu or ask the server about these heart-friendly dishes, especially the fish-based dishes, as substitutes for your steak.
You can share your partner’s steak, for example, and enjoy more of the seafood, which means you can still satisfy your cravings.
Substitute Dishes
Yet another way you can enjoy your meat without adding too much fat into your diet is to substitute. Examples include:
- Leaner cuts of meat like filet mignon, sirloin tip, round or flank steak, tenderloin, and London broil are healthier choices than their fatty counterparts, such as T-bone, porterhouse, and rib eye
- Go for baked potato or rice instead of the French fries, scalloped potatoes, and au gratin for sides
- Order the green salad with dressing on the side instead of the Caesar salad
- Choose the steamed vegetables rather the fried vegetables
- Fruit for dessert instead of the pie
The bottom line: Self-discipline is a must when eating out especially when steaks are on the table.