Smart Restaurant Strategies

Restaurants can be intimidating to people who are trying to eat healthy, and vacations don't have to sabotage your weight loss program. With a little planning and research, you can enjoy your restaurant meal with out abandoning healthy eating. Consider meal options at different restaurants and look for places with a wide range of menu items. Know menu terms and cooking basics. Look for foods that are steamed, broiled, baked or grilled, and limit fried and sautéed items or foods described as "crispy," "rich" or "au gratin." Alfredo sauce, for example adds an alarming number of calories to a dish; opt for the marinara! Don't be afraid to speak up and ask how something is prepared, and ask for an alternative method or ingredient. Many restaurants will honor requests. Restaurants typically serve huge portions, sometimes enough for two or three people. Cutting your meals in half and taking the rest home also makes good economic sense these days! Also, eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message from your stomach that you are no longer hungry. Fast eaters often are over-eaters, while slow eaters tend to eat less and are still satisfied.
Food choices away from home are important to your health and weight because many of us are eating more meals away from home. Fortunately, making healthful and delicious choices in restaurants is also easier today. Restaurants of all types are responding to customers’ desires with more options in portion sizes, preparation methods and menu items. Again, be assertive. Your voice is your best advocate. Bon Appetite!
For more info about healthy dinning, go to www.fitmenu.net