Going out to eat is a fun and enjoyable experience, but it can also be overwhelming when trying to make healthy choices. The menu options can be filled with unhealthy choices that can ruin your diet and even your health.

Here are 30 foods that you should avoid when dining at restaurants to ensure a healthy meal!.

1. Fried Foods

Fried foods are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and can raise your risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Examples of fried foods include chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, fried shrimp, French fries, onion rings, and more.

2. Processed Meats

Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, deli meats, and canned meats, are high in salt, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. They also contain nitrates, which are linked to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.

3. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks, such as soda, sweet tea, lemonade, and sports drinks, are high in sugar and calories. They can cause weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems.

4. Dressings and Sauces

Dressings and sauces, such as ranch, Caesar, and Thousand Island, are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. They can ruin a healthy salad or entrée.

5. Creamy Soups

Creamy soups, such as clam chowder and cream of mushroom, are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. They should be avoided if you want to maintain a healthy diet.

6. White Bread and Pasta

White bread and pasta are made from refined grains that are high in carbs and low in fiber. They can spike your blood sugar levels and cause weight gain if consumed in excess.

7. Trans Fats

Trans fats are a type of unhealthy fat found in fried foods, baked goods, and processed snacks. They can raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

8. Margarine

Margarine is a spread made with hydrogenated vegetable oil that is high in trans fats. It can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. Butter is a healthier alternative.

9. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, are often used in diet drinks and foods. They can disrupt your gut microbiome, cause weight gain, and increase your risk of diabetes and other health problems.

10. High-Sugar Breakfast Foods

High-sugar breakfast foods, such as muffins, pastries, and sweetened cereals, can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and increase your risk of weight gain and diabetes.

11. Alcohol

Alcohol in moderation may be fine, but excessive consumption can lead to liver disease, weight gain, and other health problems.

12. High-Sodium Foods

High-sodium foods, such as canned soups, deli meats, and pizza, can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

13. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese, such as American cheese, is high in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. It is best to choose natural cheese instead.

14. Excessive Butter

While butter can add flavor to your meals, excessive amounts can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

15. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is high in sugar and sodium. 1 tablespoon can contain up to 6 grams of sugar!.

16. Cream-Based Salad Dressings

Cream-based salad dressings, such as blue cheese and ranch, can add a lot of calories and unhealthy fats to your salad. Consider using oil and vinegar instead.

17. High-Fat Meats

High-fat meats, such as prime rib, ribeye, and beef brisket, are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems.

18. Creamy Beverages

Creamy beverages, such as Frappuccinos, milkshakes, and hot chocolate, are high in sugar and calories. They can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

19. Deep-Dish Pizza

Deep-dish pizza is high in calories, carbs, and unhealthy fats. One slice can contain up to 400 calories!.

20. Cheese Fries

Cheese fries are high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats. They can ruin a healthy meal.

21. Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is made with heavy cream and butter, which are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

22. Canned Fruit

Canned fruit is often loaded with syrup that is high in sugar and calories. Opt for fresh or frozen fruit instead.

23. Meat-Laden Salads

Salads that are loaded with meats, such as steak or bacon, can be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Opt for a salad with grilled chicken or fish instead.