Here’s an almost universal truth: Chefs cook with butter. Lots of butter.

I know this because over the years, I’ve edited a lot of chefs’ recipes, and most of the time I’m taken aback when we compute the nutrition information.

That said, good choices are possible. All it takes is a little know-how. Picking the right restaurant helps, too.

If you’re planning on a meal out, here are some restaurants to try. In its April issue, Health magazine anointed them the healthiest in America.

TOP 10 SIT-DOWN CHAIN RESTAURANTS

1. UNO Chicago Grill – Though its famous deep-dish pizza is high in fat, Uno’s restaurants have plenty of healthy choices on the menu, including grilled entrées (and antibiotic-free chicken), whole-grain pasta, brown rice and flatbread pizzas (with half the calories of deep-dish ones). All Uno’s food is trans-fat free.

2. Sweet Tomatoes – The salad bar has seasonal veggies, great salads and a range of non-fat dressings.

3. Mimi’s Café – Normally less-than-healthy foods have been transformed into better (and still tasty) potions. Portions are small so you can ccasionally get away with having one of the more indulgent entrees.

4. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro – You’ll find brown rice, sustainable Alaskan salmon, all-natural chicken, wok-based cooking (which requires less oil), and less sodium in the sauces.

5. Bob Evans – The dinner menu has plenty of low-carb, low-fat entrees and alternatives for children and adults.

6. Ruby Tuesday – The good stuff includes organic greens, trans fat-free frying oil and better-for-you beverages like organic teas and all-natural lemonade.

7. Romano’s Macaroni Grill – In addition to ordering from the “Sensible Fare” menu, patrons can substitute whole-wheat penne in any dish.

8. Chevy’s Fresh Mex – Everything is fresh, with no cans in the restaurant. All oils are trans fat-free, and the Mexican-style fare has lots of healthy options.

9. Olive Garden – Use the olive-branch icon to find low-fat garden fare, and substitute whole-wheat linguine for any pasta.

10. Denny’s – Denny’s “Fit-Fare” dishes have less than 15 grams of fat each. Except for the french fries, all fried food is trans fat-free.

TOP FIVE FAST-FOOD SPOTS

1. Noodles & Company – Select from 19 fresh vegetables and seven types of pastas to star in Asian, Mediterranean or American entrees.

2. Chipotle Mexican Grill – It uses naturally raised, antibiotic-free meats, organic beans and hormone-free sour cream. Corn tortillas are a whole-grain option, and the tortilla-less Burrito Bowl lets you ramp up the protein and veggies.

3. Cosi – This chain (check it out in Chicago) offers hearth-baked entrees like Alpine Chicken and Grilled Wild Alaskan Salmon, and baby carrots can substitute for chips.

4. St. Louis Bread Co. (Panera) – Soups include low-calorie and low-sodium options. Fresh fruit cups and apples make for healthy sides.

5. Au Bon Pain – This chain boasts hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken. Plus, it provides computerized kiosks, available in most locations, with nutrition information.