Healthy Meal Choices on the Town
Kenneth Surr
At one time, having dinner on the town was a rare treat. Every few weeks, the entire family would jump in the car and drive to the local restaurant to "give mom a break". Times have changed. These days, restaurant food is an everyday fact of life for many busy people. We stop for burgers or salads at lunch time, and visit the drive-thru on the way home. Our non-stop lifestyles demand the instant meal gratification that only restaurants can deliver.
There's no doubt that fast food can be a real boon to our busy schedules. Still, we need to wonder if all of this convenience is taking a toll on our health. Is it possible to eat restaurant food, and stay on a healthy course?
Greens Means Go
Do you think you're doing your body a favor by ordering a salad at lunch or dinner? That rich dressing can really pack a calorie wallop. Ask for your salad dressing on the side, and then you can use as little or as much as you like. You can use this same rule when ordering other sauces, too. If you can't have fries without gravy, at least you can have some control over your calorie intake.
Go for Grilled Goodness
Fried foods are laden with nasty fats, so why settle for fried foods when you can have your meats and veggies grilled, baked, broiled, poached or steamed. These cooking methods use little or no fat, and are much lower in calories. When foods are grilled, the natural flavors are greatly enhanced, and there is little need for rich butters, gravies and sauces. You can whittle away even more fats and calories by having the chef grill your foods without additional oil or butter. The food will be delicious and only your hips will know the difference.
It Is Pastable to Eat Healthy
It's OK to love pasta, but too many cream-based sauces can wreak havoc on your waistline. Pass the alfredo and choose a zesty tomato-based sauce instead. Tomato sauces are much lower in fat and calories, and can even be counted as a vegetable on your food wheel. Spices and a little cheese sprinkled on top will make a delicious meal.
A Toast to Your Health
Alcoholic beverages are not a great choice to accompany meals. Order a glass of water, milk, juice or a cup of tea to have with your meal. Soft drinks are bad choices too. Just because your value meal comes with a glass of pop, you aren't obligated to accept it. Ask for beverage alternatives and if you have to pay an extra quarter for a glass of milk, do it. Your bones will thank you.
Start Smart
Having a little meal before your meal can be a great idea. Soup is particularly good as an appetizer, as most are low in calories and tend to fill you up before the main course arrives. Watch out for cream soups and chowders that are loaded with fat and calories. If you're looking to eat less, order two appetizers, like a soup and side salad, instead of a big main course meal. You'll eat less and will likely save money at the same time.
Sensible Sides
If you are offered a choice of side dishes, choose fresh vegetables or a baked potato instead of french fries. Baked potatoes are great side orders, provided they're not weighed down with butter, bacon, cheese, or sour cream. Ask for a side order of salsa to give your spud a healthy kick of flavor.
High Fiber, Low Fat
Try to base your meal choices on dishes that include healthy servings of fruits and vegetables. Your body just can't do without these essential sources of dietary fiber. Ask for whole wheat pasta, whole grain bread and brown rice with your meals. Go ahead and break bread, but hold the butter.
Know When to Say No
Stop eating when you feel full. Sound a little too obvious? Not for those people who insist on getting "their money's worth" from their restaurant meals. Heed your belly, and know when you've had enough. Go ahead and ask for a doggy bag. Half of tonight's pasta will make a fantastic lunch tomorrow.
Share the Sweetness
If you're craving dessert, your dinner partner probably is as well. Go ahead and order that slice of caramel pecan cheesecake -- with two spoons. Half the dessert means half the calories. Or, get something sweet and sensible like a dish of sherbet or a bowl of berries.
You should make healthy choices when you're on the run, but it's also OK to treat yourself now and then. If you're celebrating a special event and you want melted butter with your lobster, go right ahead. All types of foods can find a place in a well-balanced diet. Don't deprive yourself of the foods you really love. Your time is precious, after all, so enjoy every minute of it.
Contributor Kenneth Surr enjoys writing articles for a variety of Internet sites, on http://www.online-healthy.com/ healthy eating and http://www.bowem.com/ healthy diet topics. Get your own completely http://www.uberarticles.com/?id=35866&b=79 unique content version of this article.
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