Eat Out Eat Smart!

Eat Out Eat Smart

There are times when even the most devoted cook needs a break from kitchen routines. Certainly, it’s refreshing to eat food made by another person, be waited on, and leave the clean up to someone else.

Before you set out to that new restaurant or café you’ve been meaning to try, here are five tips to assure that when you eat out, it will be a healthful experience.

1. Call ahead to ask which menu items are steamed, baked, or grilled with little or no oil or butter, and whether they are low in salt and sugar. Ask for vegan options or heart healthy vegetarian items on the regular menu.

1. When you arrive, let the hostess or maître d know you are on a healthy eating plan. Make sure you tell your server this information as well. Supply details, if you have any food allergies or food aversions. Savvy modern eateries cater to their patrons’ tastes and preferences, by providing flexibility in food preparation styles, portion size, and they allow for substitutions. 

1. Select dishes that are packed with fruits and vegetables. Ask to have the salad dressing and sauces served on the side. Hidden calories, fats, and sugars lurk in gravies, toppings, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese. Request fresh herbs and spices, lemon juice, marinara, or salsa to replace fattening ingredients. Drink tea, coffee, and water rather than sugary soda.

1.  If there is no wise choice on the menu, look at the side dishes and order a crispy baked potato with steamed greens, a large salad, and a cup of lentil or pea soup.

1. Skip the dessert or share it with your dinner partner. Ask for fresh melon, sorbet, or mixed seasonal berries instead of cake, ice cream, or other cholesterol laden offerings.

     Delightful meals on the town can be a flavorful part of your life. For more inspiration check out WebMD http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/healthy-eating-making-healthy-choices-when-you-eat-out

 This post appeared at "Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party" Blog Hop!

The quotation for today is from William Londen     

"To insure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life."

Blood Moon, Kids' Health, Relaxation and Rest

Today my blog is a potpourri of topics. Here what I'm thinking of right now.

Number 1. 

I care about the children and people in our nation and am saddened that by 2050, studies project that 1 in every 3 Americas will have diabetes.

Watch this video and tell me whether you are concerned about this important health and wellness issue too. What do you think we can do about it? I welcome your ideas.

Epidemic in America


Number 2.

I'm glad a lunar eclipse is in the offing for Monday, April 14th. Mars will be big and bright, and this first total lunar eclipse in more than 2 years will be visible from all parts of the U.S. To learn why it's been called a blood moon eclipse by some, click on the link below.

Will you stay up to watch it, and do you know there will be three more lunar eclipses this year? That fascinates me.

Blood Moon Eclipse


Number 3.

I have to admit to you, dear readers, and myself. I need to re-lax. I have been going full steam ahead all week and my fingers are sore from working their magic at my computer. That's why this blog is shorter than usual.

Before I sign off, one last thing. Here's the quotation for today. It's from Sydney J. Harris. It's one I'm taking to heart.

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.