Food is a huge part of Boston culture. If you look by the historic Fenway there are a slew of bars and restaurants that, if one does not make wise choices can result in fatty thighs and midsections. If you head downtown you can find a variety of restaurants that can ensure a hangover with a side of bloated belly. Just looming around the corner from downtown is any dieter’s nightmare: the North End.

We all know eating out can be detrimental to a person trying to lose weight. But is this always true? If you take two things into account you could bust this myth. One, don’t eat out often and two, be picky about what you order.

In light of restaurant week, I recommend this week be one of those rare weeks you take advantage of all the delicious food associated with Boston culture. Try something new but be smart. Here are a few guidelines and tips to follow:

Green Flag

(Potentially good for you)

Grilled

Broiled

Fresh

Baked

Steamed

Poached

Light

Marinated

Multi-grain

Whole wheat

High fiber

Red sauce

Reduced

Roasted

Stir-Fried

Vinaigrette

Gluten free

Red Flag

(Probably bad for you)

Au gratin

Basted

Battered

Béarnaise (or hollandaise)

Breaded

Buttery/Buttered

Casserole

Cheesy

Country-style

Covered

Creamed/cream

Crispy

Crunchy

Escalloped

Fried/Deep fried

Loaded

Smothered

Stewed

White Sauce

Stroganoff

Stuffed

Bottomless

A few healthier choices in Boston resturants are:

· Mare in the North End - Italian oyster bar.

· Douze in Back Bay - Serves sushi.

· Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge - All vegetarian

· Naked Pizza in Back Bay - Yummy healthier pizza

· Brown Sugar Café in Alson /Brighton - Thai food

· Heimand in Cambridge - Afghan cuisine

Now that you have information that will help make the right food choices you can enjoy restaurant week. Enticing descriptions of tasty dishes can make it hard to resist those calorie packed, high sugar, and “I’m loaded with fat” dishes. So go out to a restaurant and make wise choices and enjoy your meal without regret. After all it is a cultural experience.