Why Weight

Healthy Eating When You Dine Out

By Mike Devoran


You might think that it's not possible to maintain a healthy diet when you eat out at restaurants.

In many cases, you would be correct. It is, however, quite possible to stick to a healthy diet while occasionally enjoying a restaurant meal. You simply need to learn a little bit about nutrition, which will allow you to make the correct food choices to stay healthy, active, mentally stable and happy.

When you pick up the menu, start by skipping over the drinks section. Although you may be tempted to enjoy a beer or mixed beverage with your dinner, these usually have many empty calories, which is not good for your body. Red wine is an exception to this rule, and may actually help prevent heart disease. Try to have only a single glass.

Also skip over the appetizer menu, unless it's a side salad. The appetizers at restaurants are usually high-fat foods that are not meant to fill you up and can in fact make you crave even more high fat foods. Examples of these are mozzarella sticks, potato skins, and wings. Rather just have a main course, or share a single serving with a couple of other people.

You should carefully check the ingredients in the main dish you select Anything with cream sauces or high-fat meats should be avoided, and pass up the potatoes or onion rings. Instead order side dishes like vegetables or ask for just the main course when possible.

Portion size is also important. Order off the lunch menu whenever you can, and ask for a doggie bag right away. Split your meal in half from the start so that you are not tempted to eat the entire thing, which is usually enough for two or three portions.

After the meal, skip dessert. Again, you can share a single desert with the entire table if you feel compelled to order something, or split your portion in half. Bear in mind that the desserts served in restaurants may have more calories than the rest of the meal.

Mike Devoran's website, DietHealthFitness, publishes in-depth articles on a number of health-related topics.

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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 10:55 AM