If you are watching carbs and fat, it may seem daunting to visit your favorite steakhouse for a family dinner. By following the tips below, however, you can choose wisely and still enjoy a delicious cut of beef. Western Sizzlin Restaurant, in Russellville, AR, has options for everyone in the family.

How to Make Healthy Choices at a Steakhouse

Choose Your Cut Wisely

A steakhouse specializes in premium cuts of beef. Those tasty cuts, like porterhouse or rib-eye, have the most fat, however. If you are counting calories, choose a sirloin under 9 ounces and pair it with a fresh green salad for a healthy dinner.

Avoid Potatoes

Potatoes are a steakhouse standard, and most will offer a tempting array of baked, double stuffed, fried, or mashed options to accompany your steak. If you can’t live without this carb-loaded side, choose a baked spud or a scoop of mashed potatoes. Potato-based appetizers are usually fried and loaded with calories as well, so skip the apps and opt for a healthy entree.

Consider the Sauce

Classic sauces and finishes also add a lot of fat to steak. Bearnaise, which is full of eggs and butter, and breading on chicken fried steak or other crispy dishes, add a significant number of calories to your dish. Get your sirloin grilled, and dip into a little bit of steak sauce, a peppercorn or wine-based sauce, or au jus.

Modify the Surf & Turf

Steak paired with seafood is a classic steakhouse option, but most seafood sides are breaded and fried, which adds unwanted calories and fat. Additionally, dishes like crab or lobster, which are served with butter, will increase calories and fat quickly. Seafood is healthiest when prepared grilled and sauce-free. Ask for your “surf” to be served up natural and enjoy the authentic flavor.

Eating healthy at your local steakhouse is possible if you follow these tips. Western Sizzlin Restaurant has been grilling steak with their famous Gold Dust seasoning for over 50 years. At both of their locations in Springdale and Russellville, they serve chicken, pork, and seafood in addition to steak, and they feature hot and cold buffets. Call (479) 968-1757 for more information, and go to their website to learn more about their history and great food.