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.

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