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 or.

- Anytime you order pasta dishes, be on the lookout

for tomato based sauces instead of the cream based

sauces. Tomato based sauces are much lower in fat

and calories, and tomato sauce can even be counted

as a vegetable!

- You should always try to drink water, diet soda,

or tea instead of soda or beverages that contain

alcohol.

- If you order dessert, share 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 you 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 the 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.