Your Healthy Guide to Eating Out
By Avanti Vadivelu
There’s little more relaxing than taking in a warm summer evening while sitting at a nice restaurant with yummy food, delicious drinks and preferably outdoor seating! Well, at least that seems to be what most Americans believe since August is the month in which most people go out to eat. But if you’re on a diet, eating out may seem a little scary. After all, you don’t want one or two meals out at a restaurant to ruin a summer’s (or longer!) worth of hard dieting work! Well, don’t cancel your dinner plans just yet. With the right amount of guidance and a little bit of discipline, you can have your entrée and eat it too. Here are some useful tips on how to keep your tip top shape, even while you’re out to eat:
- Try non-cream based soups and/or pasta sauces
- Don’t let salads fool you! Any healthy salad could end up with more calories than a ½ lb juicy burger if you play your cards wrong. The healthiest salads are those with garden vegetables, low-calorie dressing, lemon juice or vinegar
- Fight for those whole grain rolls and/or biscuits as the bread basket makes its way around the table
- Choose baked potatoes versus french fries or other types of potatoes as a side. Be sure not to dress your baked potato with too many unhealthy toppings. If this turns out to be too tough for you, opt for plain rice or noodles as a side instead.
- Order all gravy and/or dressing on the side so that you can be sure to regulate the amount you put on
- When choosing a meat entrée, go for meat that’s roasted, baked, broiled or grilled
- When ordering grilled fish or vegetables, ask them to be grilled with little or even no butter or oil
- Water is always best when selecting a beverage to accompany your meal. But if you are craving something more go for diet sodas, or low-fat milk. Remember that alcoholic drinks can add to your calorie intake, so limit those as well.
- Share with your friends! Cut your calories without cutting out dessert or appetizers by splitting your sweets and/or treats with the rest of your dinner party
- Feel like you can’t get enough of those appetizers? Why not order two appetizer dishes and make them your meal? Usually this will cut down on the amount of food you take in
- Don’t forget to check out the weight-watcher or low calorie menu!! Most restaurants these days are especially catering to dieters by giving you special menu options
- Opt for brown rice rather than white rice to get that whole grain in your diet
- Last but not least… don’t force yourself to eat the whole plate if you are full.
No longer does dieting mean munching on celery sticks at home. So go ahead and make those special dinner reservations and enjoy your meal and your diet! Bon appetite!
Source: www.diabetes.org
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