Nowadays, rather than being an occasional treat, eating out reflects the need for convenience in our busy lives.

But just because it's convenient, doesn't mean that it has to be unhealthy.

Healthy options are available at many restaurants and you can often ask the chef to prepare food in a healthier way.

Rather than seeing a visit to a restaurant as a chance to indulge, try to view it as an opportunity to sample healthy new flavours and textures.

Be aware of the hidden fat, sugar and salt in the food you order for yourself and children.

To cut down on the fat, go for grilled, poached, steamed or stir-fried lean meats, fish or pulses.

Opt for drier curries, wholegrain breads and chapatties, and vegetable-based sauces. Choose pure fruit juice, fruit salads and sorbets.

Take time to eat, drink and enjoy your meal. Enjoy the venue and the company and not just the food.

Take your time to taste the texture and flavours and steer clear of the salt cellar: many dishes will undoubtedly take you rapildly beyond the recommended 6g of salt for the day.

Don't be tempted to order the larger size meals. Some research has suggested that we will eat more of a larger portion even if the quality is poor.

Remember too you don't need to clear your plate and you don't have to have a starter, a main course and a pudding. Listen to your body, especially when it's full.

Children readily choose their favourite foods on the menu without any thought for the nutritional value or effects on their heart. You could agree with them beforehand how many less healthy foods they can have so they don't immediately select breaded fish, chips, fizzy drinks and chocolate cake.

Encourage their adventurous side and suggest they try something new.

If they seem reluctant, order a couple of healthy starters or other dishes that you can all sample and share. Take a family trip to the salad bar and lead by example by selecting something healthy which you might not be very keen on.

Heart disease is still Britain's biggest killer and it is affecting younger and younger generations all the time.

Your children deserve to have fun and treats but be good to their heart - it will have pumped more than 660 million times by the time they are 18, and, if kept healthy, 2.5 billion times by the age of 70.

For more information and advice about healthy living, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 297 6206.