Eating away from home in a restaurant is often difficult as salt is used in preparation of most foods. A good rule to follow is to stay close to your regular diet as possible.

Beverages: Remember to stay within your fluid allowance.

Appetizers: Fruit cups are a good choice if you do not have other fruit with your meal. It might be best to avoid this part of the meal if the menu offers a poor selection for your diet. Avoid soups as they will be high in potassium and count as extra fluid.

Main Dishes: Avoid Casseroles or mixed dishes as their nutritional content is difficult to assess. They usually contain a large amount of salt. Order broiled chops, hamburgers, or steaks prepared without salt. Ask for thinner cuts of roast beef; select turkey or chicken prepared without salt. Ask that gravy and salt not be added to your orders.

Vegetables: Most cooked vegetables will be prepared with salt. Order instead, fresh vegetable salads as allowed from your meal pattern. Oil and vinegar can be used for dressing. Do not use regular dressing unless your individual diet allows it. Avoid potatoes as they are usually baked, mashed from dehydrated flakes or French fries and are, therefore, very high in potassium Rice or noodles are good substitutes but are prepared with salt added. If you eat the middle portion of the baked potato, the potassium content will not be as great; avoid eating the skin.

Bread: You will probably be served regular bread as well as butter. If these items are not on your diet, only eat one-half of your allowed amount of bread. Use jelly, jam or honey in place of the butter.

Desserts: Avoid mixed items which may have chocolate or nuts added. It is best to use ice cream or sherbet as an exchange for milk in your diet. Fruit ice is free but must be counted as fluid. Drained fruit may also be used from your allowed fruit. Fruit pie can be ordered if substituted properly for bread and fruit in your diet.