At one time, having dinner on the town was a rare treat. Every few
weeks, the entire family would jump in the car and drive to the local
restaurant to "give mom a break". Times have changed. These days,
restaurant food is an everyday fact of life for many busy people. We
stop for burgers or salads at lunch time, and visit the drive-thru on
the way home. Our non-stop lifestyles demand the instant meal
gratification that only restaurants can deliver.
With our busy schedules, there's no doubt that fast food is a real time
saver. But, is the time and trouble we're saving worth the toll on our
bodies? You can use diligence and eat healthy when you're out on the
town.
Go for the Greens
Do you think you're doing your body a favor by ordering a salad at
lunch or dinner? That rich dressing can really pack a calorie wallop.
Ask for your salad dressing on the side, and then you can use as little
or as much as you like. You can use this same rule when ordering other
sauces, too. If you can't have fries without gravy, at least you can
have some control over your calorie intake.
Grill It
Instead of settling for fried foods, ask that your meal be baked,
grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed. These cooking methods use way
less fat in the preparation and are usually much lower in calories.
Grilling brings out so much of the natural flavor in meat, poultry,
seafood and vegetables, that you won't need to drown them in sauces and
butter. For even greater calorie savings, direct your server or chef to
grill your foods without additional butter or oil. Your food will still
taste delicious and only your hips will know the difference.
It Is Pastable to Eat Healthy
Go ahead and have your love affair with pasta, but try to stay away
from too many cream-based sauces. Alfredo sauce can wreak havoc on your
waistline, so opt for zesty tomato-based sauces instead. These sauces
add low-fat zest to your meals, and the tomato content can be counted
as a vegetable on your food wheel. With a sprinkling of spices and a
little cheese, you've got a delicious meal.
Drink To Your Health
Alcoholic beverages are not a great choice to accompany meals. Order a
glass of water, milk, juice or a cup of tea to have with your meal.
Soft drinks are bad choices too. Just because your value meal comes
with a glass of pop, you aren't obligated to accept it. Ask for
beverage alternatives and if you have to pay an extra quarter for a
glass of milk, do it. Your bones will thank you.
Appetizers
A little meal before your meal can be a great idea. Soups are
sensational appetizers, as most are low in calories and take the edge
off of your hunger before the main course arrives. Watch out for cream
soups and chowders that are loaded with fat and calories. You can even
eat two appetizers, a soup and salad perhaps, instead of one large
main-course meal. You'll eat less and save money.
Smarts on the Side
When given the option, take a baked potato, rice or better yet,
vegetables instead of French fries. Baked potatoes are filling and low
in fat, as long as you skip the butter and sour cream. Give you spud a
little extra spunk with a scoop of salsa.
High Fiber, Low Fat
Try to base your meal choices on dishes that include healthy servings
of fruits and vegetables. Your body just can't do without these
essential sources of dietary fiber. Ask for whole wheat pasta, whole
grain bread and brown rice with your meals. Go ahead and break bread,
but hold the butter.
Enough is Enough
When you are full, stop eating. This may seem obvious, but many people
insist on getting their 'money's worth' out of a restaurant meal.
Listen to your body and know when you've had enough. You can always ask
to take the remainder home. After all, half of tonight's pasta will
make a great lunch tomorrow.
Share the Goodness
What's better than a sinfully delicious dessert? Half of it! If you're
craving dessert, go for it -- then give half to your companion. Order
that slice of caramel pecan cheesecake, with two spoons, please. Half
the dessert equals half the calories. If you prefer, opt for sweet and
sensible, like fruit salad or light and tasty sorbet.
You can make healthy choices when you're eating on the town. And, it's
OK to treat yourself now and then. Special events and celebrations are
perfectly suited to butter-laden lobsters. Every type of food has its
place in a well-balanced diet, so don't deprive yourself of the foods
you really love. Your time is precious, so go ahead and savor every
moment of it.
