Many people enjoy going out to a restaurant or a fast food spot with family or friends and who can blame them? The food is cooked for you, brought to your table, and you do not have to wash or clean anything when you are finished. Simply enjoy the food and the atmosphere is all you have to do.
Statistics show that 65% percent of Americans eat out at least one time per week. This number has risen drastically over the past twenty years as fast food has become more prevalent throughout large cities across the country. However those of you focusing on losing weight and developing a healthier lifestyle need to be cognizant of what is consumed when dining out so that you do not wreck havoc on your healthy agenda. Just because you are eating away from home does not mean you have to go hog wild and order everything in sight.
In other words, enjoy your time but don't lose complete self control when dining out.
When you try and minimize the amount of damage eating out can cause to your plan, you will find yourself much more content with the fact that you can go out and eat, and at the same time not interrupt your healthy lifestyle. Here are a few tips to consider when going out to a restaurant or fast food spot.
Opt For Healthy Choices
Try and select something from the menu that is healthy, or at least more healthy that the majority of the other options offered. If that is not possible, then at least request to substitute a unhealthy option for something else. For example, if you are going to order a hamburger, instead of the fries and soda that are generally served alongside, ask for a cup of fruit and regular water. Much better to just have one slightly unhealthy choice instead of three unhealthy options all at once.
Watch That Portion Size
Generally the portion size at a fast food place is way too much. This is especially true at sit down restaurants where the plates are often oversized which means more space for food. Remember, you don't have to eat every single thing on your plate. When you start feeling full, that means you probably had plenty to eat so why not just take the rest home to have for lunch the next day?
Get A "To Go" Box
One of the best tips you should start getting used to especially if you often eat at restaurants is to ask the waiter to bring a "to go" box (sometimes referred to as a doggie bag) right at the start of the meal. That may sound strange, but reason being is when your meal arrives, immediately put half the food into the container and put it away to take home with you. This will eliminate half the calories you will eat, thus making the amount you're putting into your body much more reasonable.
Salad and Healthy Soups
If you want something healthy or a low calorie option, salads and some soups are definitely options you should see if they offer. If you do opt for a salad, inquire about light dressing or vinaigrette, and soups such as vegetable or chicken noodle are great, whereas soups with the words "potato", "cream of", or "cheese" in the name are not as healthy.
Drinks Lots of Water
Last but not least, drink plenty of water throughout your meal. Plain, purified drinking water has absolutely 0 calories, helps improve digestion, and actually makes you feel more full. This is a benefit all on its own since if you feel full, you are more likely not to eat any more food. Try at all cost to avoid drinking sugary drinks such as soda or beer, since these pack on needless calories and increase the amount you have to pay afterwards - not only on the scale but out of your pocketbook also.
Gregory L. Gomez, M. Ed, has been teaching 5th grade in the LAUSD for 12 years and has recently embarked on a journey to lose weight, eat healthier, and finally get in shape! Follow his progress on http://healthychoicesinlife.com/ as he strives to lose 60 pounds through dedicated exercise and eating healthy. From healthy eating guides to a step-by-step manual to help tackle the process of losing weight, readers will find the latest information to combat the rising obesity epidemic and start getting into shape at http://healthychoicesinlife.com/programs.
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