Eating Away From Home, Part 1

In today’s world, with so many obligations pulling us in so many directions its no wonder we are eating more and more often in restaurants. This can be a recipe for weight loss disaster if you’re not prepared to deal with the challenge.

Here are some helpful suggestions make your restaurant one you’ll enjoy and also won’t regret.

• Ask how the food is prepared or if it can be made differently. Most places will alter their preparation style to accommodate your dietary needs. For instance, you can request that your entrées and vegetables be served without sauces, butter margarine or oil.
• You can also ask that high-fat extras be left off your plate to avoid temptation. For instance, you can substitute side items from other entrées (i.e. green beans from another entrée to substitute for fries on your entrée).
• Why not order from the appetizer menu instead of ordering a large entrée (that really cuts down on the calories as well as saving you money), or order a mixture of side items as your meal.
• Ask for skim milk instead of cream for your coffee or tea.
• Ordering a salad? – Have the salad dressing served on the side.
• Look for “heart-healthy” or “low-fat” entrées, rather than “diet plates” which are often actually high in fat.