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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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."
Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI love these tips and this is exactly how I approach what to eat when I am dining out with family and friends! I order a salad, a bean or vegetable soup and an assortment of side dish vegetables. I check to make sure there are not animal products used in the sauces and enjoy a delightful plant-based meal. Sometimes my fellow diners end up wanting what I assembled, so I am delighted that you shared these smart dining out tips with us at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop! We appreciate it!