Eating Healthy When Eating Out
If you go out to a restaurant to eat, you probably watch your calories very closely. To assist you with your calorie-watching when dining out, these tips will help you make the most of it.
Always order salad dressings or sauces on the side, as this way you have control over how much you add to your meal.
When you order grilled fish or vegetables, you should ask that the food be grilled without butter or oil, or prepared with very little or either.
Anytime you order pasta dishes, be on the lookout for tomato-based sauces instead of cream-based sauces. Tomato-based sauces are much lower in fat and calories, and tomato sauce can even be counted as a vegetable!
Drink Water
You should always try to drink water, diet soda, or tea instead of soda or beverages that contain alcohol.
If you order dessert, share it with a friend. Half of the dessert will equal half of the calories.
When you choose a soup, remember that cream-based soups are higher in fat and calories than other soups. A soup can be a great appetizer, as most are low in calories and you fill up pretty fast.
When ordering a baked potato, ask for salsa instead of sour cream, butter, cheese, or even bacon. Salsa is very low in calories and provides a healthy alternative with plenty of flavor and spice.
When you are full, stop eating. Listen to your body and what it tells you.
If you get full, take half of your meal home. The second portion of your meal can serve as a second meal later. This way, you get two meals for the price of one.
If you’re looking to eat less, order two appetizers or an appetizer and a salad as your meal.
If you get a choice of side dishes, get a baked potato or steamed vegetables instead of french fries.
Always look for food on the menu that’s baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed. These types of cooking use less fat in the cooking process and are usually much lower in calories.
Plain bread or rolls are low in both fat and calories. When you add butter and oil, you increase the fat and calorie intake.
As key ingredients to your meal, choose dishes with fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables are great sources of dietary fiber as well as many vitamins and minerals.
Choose foods made with whole grains, such as whole wheat bread, and dishes made with brown rice.
If you crave dessert, look for something with low fat, such as berries or fruit.
Always remember not to deprive yourself of the foods you truly love. All types of foods can fit into a well-balanced diet.
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA-approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
