Article Body
Fast Food & Restaurants
Healthy food choices are important no matter where you eat. It can be a bigger challenge to make healthy choices when eating at restaurants or choosing take-out food. Here are some tips and things to think about the next time you decide to eat out!
Decode the menu.
Look for foods that are baked, broiled, grilled, poached, steamed, boiled, or roasted as the healthier options. Foods that have fried, breaded, or crispy in their name will have more calories and saturated fat.
Minimize, not supersize.
Choose the smaller portion sizes when given a choice. We tend to eat what is in front of us, so the more food you get the more you are likely to eat.
It is also a great idea to box up half of the meal before you even start eating, then you get two meals for one. Or split a meal with someone!
Choose water.
Shakes and pop have more calories without any helpful nutrients.
Choose veggies.
Opt for a side-salad or a side of roasted vegetables instead of the French fries. Even eat the veggies first to help fill your tummy!
But be careful: sometimes foods that seem healthy aren’t. Salads with bacon, cheese, crispy chicken, croutons, and lots of dressing can have more calories than a burger!
Extras, no thanks!
Adding extras like bacon, cheese, and sour cream can add calories very quickly. Choose to say ‘no’ to these options.
Choose your sauce.
Pick sauces made from veggies like marinara, instead of cream or butter sauces. Also ask for them on the side so you can add how much you want.
Listen to your hunger.
Always listen to your body telling you when it is hungry AND when it is full. Slow down your eating so you can notice when your body is saying it is full and then STOP eating.
Eat all day.
If you know you’re going out to eat later in the day, don’t ‘save’ your calories for that one meal. This can lead to overeating. Choose a healthy snack with fiber and protein before heading to the restaurant so you don’t make any rash decisions.