Here’s food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant meal has over 1,000 calories? That’s enough to blow any healthy eating plan. This only gets worse during the holiday season, when these restaurants go all out to please you with deserts so pleasing to the eye and a meal even more pleasing and believe me when I say they are hard to resist. Fortunately, by following a few simple guidelines, you can dine out without having to sacrifice good taste and nutrition. Which is what today's post is all about. How to Manage when dining out during the Holiday season.
1. Avoid ordering an appetizer. It’s a little known fact that some appetizers have more calories and fat than the main course. Plus, many appetizers are fried and served with heavy sauces which will add to your intake of saturated fat as well as trans fats and calories. It’s not a healthy way to start your meal.
2. Say “yes” to salad. Salad is a healthy eater’s best friend. Not only will it fill you up so you’ll consume fewer calories overall, but it will also give you a hefty dose of antioxidants which are heart healthy. Be sure to ask your waitress to hold the croutons and cheese which will further reduce your caloric load. Also, choose your dressing wisely. Avoid cream based dressings and go for the vinegar based ones. You also have the option of using vinegar and olive oil which is heart healthy.
3. Make the right entree selection. Go for broiled and grilled rather than fried. Keep in mind that your total fat intake should only be between ten and thirty percent of your calories. Not only that, fried foods are loaded with trans fats. Instead, consider asking for a double order of vegetables with your entree. I have done this when dining out and the waiter is glad to be of assistance to you. Few of us are getting the 7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended for optimal health. Plus, by avoiding the starch, you’ll be reducing your caloric and carbohydrate load. Also, stick to tomato based sauces rather than cream based and you’ll enjoy a considerable calorie savings. Lastly, ask for the sauce to be served in a separate dish on the side so you can control the amount you eat.
By following these steps, you can make your dining experiences not only healthy, but enjoyable. Your heart will thank you!
Until next time.......
1. Avoid ordering an appetizer. It’s a little known fact that some appetizers have more calories and fat than the main course. Plus, many appetizers are fried and served with heavy sauces which will add to your intake of saturated fat as well as trans fats and calories. It’s not a healthy way to start your meal.
2. Say “yes” to salad. Salad is a healthy eater’s best friend. Not only will it fill you up so you’ll consume fewer calories overall, but it will also give you a hefty dose of antioxidants which are heart healthy. Be sure to ask your waitress to hold the croutons and cheese which will further reduce your caloric load. Also, choose your dressing wisely. Avoid cream based dressings and go for the vinegar based ones. You also have the option of using vinegar and olive oil which is heart healthy.
3. Make the right entree selection. Go for broiled and grilled rather than fried. Keep in mind that your total fat intake should only be between ten and thirty percent of your calories. Not only that, fried foods are loaded with trans fats. Instead, consider asking for a double order of vegetables with your entree. I have done this when dining out and the waiter is glad to be of assistance to you. Few of us are getting the 7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended for optimal health. Plus, by avoiding the starch, you’ll be reducing your caloric and carbohydrate load. Also, stick to tomato based sauces rather than cream based and you’ll enjoy a considerable calorie savings. Lastly, ask for the sauce to be served in a separate dish on the side so you can control the amount you eat.
By following these steps, you can make your dining experiences not only healthy, but enjoyable. Your heart will thank you!
Until next time.......
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