The Whelk is a gem on Westport’s restaurant scene.

Fortunately, the Saugatuck spot’s tasty farm-to-table menu — specializing in seafood — does not make healthy choices seem like a sacrifice.

Chef/owner Bill Taibe has created a special dining experience. He is committed to locally sourced food, through farmers and oystermen.

As with all of Taibe’s restaurants, a “kitchen share” program enables them to increase wages for their hard-working kitchen help. That’s one more reason to feel good at The Whelk.

This is not a place to make special requests. Enjoy your food the way it was meant to be prepared.

Also, the menu changes along with the seasons. What you see here is on the menu today. In a few weeks, it may not be.

The best strategy is to steer clear of bread, shoestring fries, pasta dishes and (of course, unfortunately) dessert.

Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian or meat eater, you can’t go wrong with this impressive menu. Westport nutritionist Heather Bauer serves up her healthiest picks below.

For Vegetarians

Appetizer:

• The gem lettuce salad is perfect for both vegans and vegetarians alike
• The radicchio salad (if you’re okay with a little Parmesan cheese, which is relatively high in protein and low in fat)
• The snap peas and feta salad is also a great choice.

Entree: Choose a veggie option. Current favorites:

• Roasted squash and runner beans
• Burrata (leave half the toast)

For Pescatarians

Appetizer:

• Share the raw bar, ideally enjoying a half dozen oysters or littlenecks. Oysters are high in zinc, which boosts immunity
• Any of the vegetarian salad recommendations

Entree:

• Pair the radicchio, gem lettuce or snap pea and feta salad with either the king salmon crudo or scallop crudo.
• Halibut
• Cod

For Meat Eaters

Appetizer:

• Any of the salad options above
• Alternatively, order the raw bar

Entree:

• Roasted Chicken is a great option (leaving some of the skin makes it a little healthier). Eat all of the squash; leave some polenta on your plate.
• The burger. Just leave the bun!
  

• Heather’s Tips

  Make sure you drink 8 cups of water every day, especially when you plan on having a rich dinner. Water helps your body process a heavier meal.

  When you get home, don’t blow it by having a second dinner! Instead, get ready for bed and call it a night.

  Fat and flavor are important in satiety and staying healthy. When you deprive your body of too much fat and delicious flavor, you end up craving less healthy food.