City of Denton
Heart Healthy
Dining Guide
Dine Well & Live Well!
Presented by
Last Updated 4/14/13
Table of Contents
Mission Statement
2
About the Denton County Healthy Communities Coalition
3
About the Dining Guide
3
Current Initiative
4
Made to Order: Ask for It!
4
General Tips for Healthy Dining
5
Build a Healthy Plate—On the Go
6
Healthy Choices: It’s Up to You
7
Let’s Practice Ordering
8
How Restaurants Can Join the Guide
9
Contact Us, Survey/ Drawing, Sponsorship
9
Criteria for Restaurants
10
How to Read Dining Guide
12
Restaurant Directory
13
Local Resources for Nutrition
15
Resources
16
Mission Statement
To improve the health of Denton County residents through
disease prevention and health promotion.
For more health promotion disease prevention resources in
Denton County: http://dentoncounty.com/dept/main.asp?
Dept=33
www.livewelldentoncounty.org
Page 2
City of Denton Heart Healthy Dining Guide
About the Denton County Healthy
Communities Coalition
The Denton County Healthy Communities Coalition
(DCHCC) is comprised of representatives from Denton
County Health Department, City of Denton, local universities, local hospital health professionals, local business owners, and concerned citizens.
In 2002, this coalition identified the community need of
“access to care” as its primary focus. In 2004, the coalition
coordinated the effort that led to the opening of the People’s
Clinic, a medical care clinic that provided patient care independent of the ability to pay. In 2007, this
coalition reconvened to identify current needs and still focuses on
healthy eating, active living, smoking cessation, and geriatric
services.
About the Dining Guide
The Heart Healthy Dining Guide was developed to help
Denton residents choose healthier menu options at local
and chain restaurants.
The revised Heart Healthy Dining Guide uses a new system
to reward restaurants that make strides in informing the public of healthier choices and providing options for better
health. Award winners receive a Certificate of Excellence
from the Denton County Healthy Communities Coalition and
a window decal for their establishments to highlight their accomplishment.
Page 3
Current Initiative
Heart and Stroke Healthy City Recognition Program The
Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease reviews cities
every two years on 10 indicators for recognition. Denton has
earned Honorable Mention in 2008 and Silver Level in 2011.
Made to Order: Ask for it!
Take advantage of healthy offerings by restaurants, many of
which are only available upon request:

Fruits and vegetables allowed as substitutes in place
of higher fat side orders (e.g. French fries or chips)

Information about recipe ingredients

Portion-controlled sizes for customers of all ages at
all meals or half-sized portions on regular menu
items

The opportunity to have half of a meal placed in a
box for take-out before being served

Gravies/sauces/dressing/butter etc. served on the
side

Use low-fat or skim milk in your coffee or tea instead
of coffee creamer.
www.livewelldentoncounty.org
Page 4
City of Denton Heart Healthy Dining Guid e
General Tips for Healthy Dining
Try these “Heart Healthy” tips for eating out,
regardless of where you are!
For restaurants that provide nutrient facts on their website use
these guidelines adapted from the Putting Health on the Menu initiative to see how they measure up:
Nutritional Standards for Restaurant
Per
Adult Meal
Per
Children’s
Meal
Per
Side Item*
Calories (kcals)
< 500
< 350
< 250
Fruit/Vegetable
> 2 servings
> 2 servings
> 1 serving
Whole Grains
> ½ of all grains
> ½ of all grains
> 1 serving
Dairy (Milk,
Yogurt, Cheese)
Low-fat or fatfree;
Cheese (sat. fat
within limits below)
Low-fat or fatfree;
Cheese (sat. fat
within limits
below)
> 1 serving
Added Caloric
Sweetener
Trans Fat
< 10 % of kcals
< 0.5 g
< 0.5 g
Calories from Fat
< 30 % of total
calories
< 30 % of total
calories
< 30 % of total
calories
Saturated Fat
< 7 % of total
calories
< 7 % of total
calories
< 7 % of total
calories
< 750 mg
< 600 mg
< 230 mg
Sodium
* Restaurants must meet this criteria for one third of all side dishes to follow the
guidelines.
The meal includes entrees (which are not always a meat) and side
items.
Page 5
Build a Healthy Plate—On the Go

Aim for fresh fruit or vegetable options
(preferably non-processed). Think whole food!

Aim for half of each meal to be fruits and vegetables

Skip the complimentary options such as breads, chips, etc.
that can be high in calories/fat or ask to have the bowl/
basket moved to away from you.

Don’t be afraid to ask for your order to be made to your
specifications and ask how food is prepared.

Make half of your grains whole grains. Examples include
whole-wheat bread and dishes made with brown rice.
Keep the portions under control with one of these techniques:

Stop eating when you are full — listen to the cues your
body gives you!

Take half of your meal home. The second half can serve
as a second meal! (Two meals for the price of one: What a
deal!)

Remember, don't deprive yourself of the foods you love.
All foods can fit into a well-balanced diet. Just watch portions and how often you indulge.
Avoid portion distortion! To learn more:
http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/oei_ss/menu.htm
www.livewelldentoncounty.org
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City of Denton Heart Healthy Dining Guid e
Healthy Choices-It’s Up to You!
Choose This…..
Avoid This…
Enjoy what you eat in smaller
portions
Instead of
Supersized, large portions
Split the entrée or take half
home
Instead of
The “jumbo”, “large” or
“supersized” portions:
Chew your calories to prevent
being hungry later
Instead of
Drinking your calories. Liquid
calories add up fast!
Drink liquids with 0 calories
unless they provide vitamins/
minerals (e.g. milk, soy milk,
orange juice with calcium).
Instead of
20 oz of soda that packs on 240
kcals. You could eat half a meal
for same amount of calories
Foods that are low in fat (lean
meat, vegetable proteins, low
fat dairy,
Instead of
Creams, butters, and cheeses;
items that are “loaded”
Enjoy steamed vegetables as a
side item
Instead of
High calorie sides such as
chips, French fries, bread
Order dressings, sauces, and
condiments on the side
Instead of
These being poured on your
plate by your server.
Ask for a substitution of a side
salad, steamed vegetables, or
a baked potato
Instead of
Having French fries with your
entree
Water, herbal tea, or unsweetened tea or coffee.
Instead of
Regular soda, juices, or alcoholic beverages
Baked, grilled, dry-sautéed,
broiled, poached, or steamed,
Instead of
Fried, battered, or breaded or
high fat meats like ham or bacon
Sirloin, flank, tenderloin
Instead of
Ground beef, prime rib, corned
beef
Skinless poultry
Instead of
Poultry with skin or fried
Corn tortillas
Instead of
Flour tortillas
Mustard
Instead of
Mayonnaise
Page 7
Let’s Practice Ordering!
Are these healthy choices?
Stuffed cheese tortellini in cream sauce

No—”stuffed cheese” and “cream sauce” are your clues
here

Try a lean protein such as chicken or fish and a marinara
sauce instead
Breaded chicken sandwich and fries

No—”breaded” and “fried” are your clues here

Try a grilled chicken sandwich instead and substitute
steamed vegetables for fries
Taco salad

No—high fat condiments such as cheese, sour cream,
olives plus the taco shell can make this item cost you
over 1000 calories before dressing!

Ask for cheese and olives on the side, swap guacamole
for the sour cream and just think of the shell as a bowl
that you do not eat and this could become a decent
choice if fajita meat is used.
Southwest grilled chicken wrap

Maybe! If you control how much dressing is added and
the portion size is not too distorted, this could be a great
choice. Keep the side item healthy and you should be
better fueled for your day!
www.livewelldentoncounty.org
Page 8
City of Denton Heart Healthy Dining Guid e
How Restaurants Can Join the Guide
If you would like us to evaluate your restaurant for possible
inclusion in the Heart Healthy Dining Guide, please use
the contact us information below to request a review. See
criteria on p. 10.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about the dining guide or
the Denton County Healthy Communities Coalition, please
contact us:
Phone: 972-434-4715
Email: info@livewelldentoncounty.org
Web: www.livewelldentoncounty.org
Complete Our Survey
We launched a survey with the revision of the Dining
Guide. Please take the link to the survey from Eat Healthy
page of our website above. Participants are entered into
drawings for gift certificates provided by Love to Live Well.
Sponsorship Opportunities
This Dining Guide will expand throughout Denton County
with the help of community sponsors. If you are interested
in sponsorship opportunities, please contact us!
Page 9
Criteria for Restaurants
To be reviewed for award status, restaurants must first
score a minimum of 85 according to city restaurant code
(http://www.cityofdenton.com/home/showdocument?
id=13221).
Then each restaurant is evaluated on the following criteria to
see what award level they reach.
10-Point Criteria (Bronze: 70%, Silver: 80%, Gold:90%,
Platinum: 100% of criteria met)
1. Whole Grains: Offer whole grain options (defined as
first ingredient is whole grain or at least 51% grain
ingredients are whole) for breads, rice, pasta, pizza
crusts, etc.
2. Portions: Offer smaller portions in one of the following ways:

Half or smaller portions of entrees are available at a lower cost or

Entree sharing is available at no cost or
smaller portions are available on lunch menu
or

Adults are allowed to order kids’ portions or
off the kids’ menu
3. Fruits and/or Vegetables: Offer at least 4 fruits or
vegetables on menu (excluding French fries)
www.livewelldentoncounty.org
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City of Denton Heart Healthy Dining Guid e
4. Calories: Offer at least 2 entrées under 500 calories
5. Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian, gluten-free, and/
or sugar-free options are listed on menu
6. Non-sugary Beverages: At least 4 non-sugary beverages are listed on menu
7. Locavore! Local ingredients are used in menu items
8. Low-fat cooking: At least 4 entrees are prepared
using low-fat cooking methods
9. Low-fat desserts: At least 2 lower fat choices are
on the dessert menu
10. Low-fat alternatives: Offer low-fat alternatives in
one of the following ways:

Reduced-fat milk as a beverage or

Reduced or fat-free dressing
The general guideline for better health, particularly for those
watching their weight, is for adults to keep lunch and dinner
< 400-500 calories/meal for women and < 600-700 calories/meal for men. American Heart Association recommends a sodium intake should of < 1500 mg/day. The average American consumes ~3500 mg/day with some who frequent fast-food restaurants often reaching more than 5,000
mg/day.
Page 11
How to Read the Dining Guide:
Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order with their
award level beside their name.
Award Levels with Minimum Criteria Met

Platinum (100% of criteria met)

Gold (> 90% of criteria met)

Silver (> 80% of criteria met)

Bronze (> 70% of criteria met)

Honorable Mention (> 50% of criteria met)Restaurants are
making some effort in marking healthier options on their
menu but do not meet criteria for an award level.
For each restaurant, tips for wiser eating and specific efforts to help patrons eat healthier are included.
Other symbols

V = > 3 Vegetarian entrees/main course

GF = > 3 Gluten-free entrees/main course

The No-Smoking symbol represents restaurants that are 100% smoke-free.
V
GF
Criteria Legend: 1=Whole Grains 2= Portions, 3=Fruits/
Veggies, 4=Calories, 5=Diet Restrictions, 6=Non-Sugary
Beverages, 7=Locavore!, 8=Low-fat Cooking, 9=Low-fat Desserts, 10=Low-fat Alternatives (milk & dressings).
Online version of provides links to nutrition information/menu for
each restaurant.
www.livewelldentoncounty.org
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City of Denton Heart Healthy Dining Guid e
Restaurant Directory

Applebee’s (Bronze Meets 7 criteria 2-6, 8, 10)
Allergen-free options; go for grilled entrees or 1/2 portions on signature salads and low-fat dressing.
GF

Chili’s (Silver Meets 8 criteria 1-6, 8, 10) Will substitute turkey or black bean patty on any burger; low fat
milk; low-fat dressings; whole wheat buns.
GF
V

Cracker Barrel (Bronze Meets 7 criteria 1-3, 5-6, 8,
10) Choose whole grain options, watch how vegetables are prepared, choose grilled meats to reduce fat;
add nutrient-rich fruit and yogurt.

Cupboard Natural Foods (Silver Meets 7 criteria 13, 5-8, 10) Allows splitting meals; whole grain options;
watch sauces—order those on the side and use sparingly.
GF

Denny’s (Bronze Meets 7 criteria 1-4, 6, 8, 10)
Choose “fit fare” items (lean, light, high protein, high
fiber noted); aim for grilled meats; and add fruits and
veggies.
V

Golden Corral (Silver Meets 8 criteria 1-3, 5-6, 8-10)
Buffets are tricky—load half the plate with fruits and
veggies (see p. 6) first, then sample small portions of
the foods you like; look for the lower fat desserts if you
Page 13
V
Restaurant Directory



The Greenhouse (Bronze Meets 7 criteria 2-3, 5-9)
Grow their own herbs for cooking; allows split portions;
aim for grilled/seared items.
McAlister’s Deli (Silver Meets 8 criteria 1-6, 8, 10)
Try “choose 2 portion” to reduce fat and calories; aim
for entrees< 500 kcals.
Olive Garden (Silver Meets 8 criteria 1-6, 8, 10)
Order items with olive branch for low-fat options and
Lighter Italian Fare for lower-calorie entrees.

Panera Bread (Silver Meets 8 criteria 1-6, 8, 10) Order from the “you pick 2” items or mini scones or mini
muffins to keep under 500 calories.

Weinberger’s Deli (Bronze Meets 7 criteria 1-3, 5-8)
Order smaller-sized sandwiches to keep calories in
check; go easy on the dressings as no low-fat dressings are available; 8 vegetarian options; small sandwiches can be made gluten-free.

Honorable Mention:

60% of criteria met: Andaman Thai Restaurant, Cici’s Pizza, Fuddrucker’s, Rosa’s Café

50% of criteria met: Arby’s, Fuzzy’s Tacos
www.livewelldentoncounty.org
Page 14
GF
V
V
GF
V
V
GF
V
City of Denton Heart Healthy Dining Guid e
Local Resources for Nutrition
Texas AgriLIFE Extension-Denton County

Better Living for Texans

Do Well Be Well with Diabetes

(940) 349-2886
Find a Registered Dietitian (RD) RDs can help you meet
your nutrition goals, use the RD Finder to see who’s near
you.
LEAD-Up Program-Diabetes Lifestyle Program

940-898-2512
WIC/SNAP Program-Nutrition counseling for women &
children ages 1-5

(940) 349-2900
References

Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics

American Heart Association

Anna Love, PhD, RD, LD, MCHES—Registered Dietitian in
private practice, Love to Live Well.

Restaurant criteria adapted from Activate Wallingford
(www.activatewallingford.org/), Get Active LaCrosse Initiatives (www.getactivelacrosse.org/), and Putting Health on
the Menu (www.phlpnet.org).
Page 15
There’s an App For That!
Eating Well on the Go With Websites/Apps
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: www.eatright.org
American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/
HEARTORG/
Healthy Dining Finder: Find local restaurants with healthy options-www.healthydiningfinder.com
Sparkpeople: Free online diet plans & healthy living community
www.sparkpeople.com*
The Daily Plate: Calorie Counter, Diet Tracking, Food Journal,
Nutrition Facts (App called Calorie Counter)www.thedailyplate.com*
United States Department of Agriculture/My Platewww.choosemyplate.gov
Try these apps to track your food intake and activity using your
smart phone!

Lose It*

My Fitness Pal*

Calorie Tracker (Livestrong)*
* Mobile phone app on iphone, Android, & Blackberry
For more resources, see www.livewelldentoncounty.org.
Acknowledgements
This Dining Guide was revised and printed with grant funding from
Texas Department of State Health Services (# 2013-042881 No.
001A: Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention Cardiovascular Healthy Eating).
Page 16