How to Eat Out Healthily
Dining out is almost always a pleasurable experience -- no fuss, no mess, no cooking is the way to go, or is it? Sometimes when we look for the easy way out, as in dining out vs. cooking and eating at home, we trade health for time off. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Steps can be taken so you can have the best of both worlds.
Instructions
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Take it to Heart
Foods such as butter, whole milk, cream, animal fat, salad dressing, sauces, gravies and unhealthy cooking oils do not deserve to be on your plate, especially if they are in excess. None of these foods do a heart any good and, unfortunately, when you go to a restaurant and have your food cooked for you, you have no guarantee your meal won't contain any of these ingredients. For this reason, it is best you request a healthier version of these foods (skim milk instead of whole milk, for example) and ask if the salad dressing, sauce or gravy can be served on the side. It would also be wise of you to request that your meal be prepared with as little of these ingredients as possible. Also request that the salt be kept down to a minimum, or ask that they eliminate it from the dish completely. Order your meal from the health and diet section of the menu, if this section is on the menu, or order healthy foods that are prepared in a healthy way, such as steamed or baked foods.
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Control What You Eat
If you're trying to keep your weight down, you can use a few strategies to help you maintain your goal. Besides following the advice given above, consume your food at a slower rate to give your brain enough time to recognize that you are no longer hungry, then put your fork down as soon as you start to feel satisfied. Think of tomorrow and eat only half of your food so you will have the rest left over for another meal, or order smaller portions of food such as appetizers. Split a meal with someone who's eating with you.
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Control What You Drink
Water is always a healthy option, so order water instead of sugary beverages to eat healthy when eating out. Water cleanses the body and plumps up the skin.
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Skip the Chips and Fries
Some dishes come with potato chips or french fries. Just because they're there doesn't mean you must eat them. Resist them, or if you know you will be getting them with your meal, ask your waitress if the chips or fries can be substituted for something healthier, like cottage cheese or slices of fresh tomato.
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Be Prepared
If you know you will be on the road for a while and will be stopping at fast-food chains along the way to your destination, put a food cooler in your car and keep healthy food alternatives in it so you won't have no other choice but to eat unhealthy foods.
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