With the holidays just around the corner we are all bound to eat more meals out. As a matter of fact, Americans are eating out more often than ever before. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American eats 29% of his meals away from home, an increase of nearly 100% over the past 20 years. Unfortunately, these meals are less healthful than those at home, containing 16% more fat but 25% less fiber and 20% less calcium. But help is on the way! The suggestions below will allow you to eat out and still stay within your diet plan.
1. The more prudent you are at home, the more flexible you can afford to be when eating out. If you've shopped wisely, you'll have fewer temptations around the house. Keep healthful foods handy - fruit on the eye-level shelf in your fridge, almonds and walnuts at eye-level in your pantry.
2. When invited to a party or other occaision where dinner will be served, make smart choices - take small amounts of plain meat or fish, and load up on plain veggies and salads. Go light on the potatoes and bread.
3. When eating out, choose a restaurant that offers healthful items. Most restaurants today offer enough choices to give you tasty and nutritious options. If a certain meal on the menu comes with potatoes or rice you can ask for a sustitute - most restaurants offer this.
4. If you eat out often, you'll have to really watch - the portions can fool you. What may look like a low-cal salad may end up being way more that you want - ask for the dressing on the side (a Jody Victor suggestion) so you can control how much goes on your salad. If you order a sandwich ask for no bread or eat only one half the bun.
5. Be adventursome! Restaurants offer wonderful meals with fish and other foods you may not want to prepare at home. Order food that is baked, steamed, grilled, broiled, or poached rather than fried. If you must have dessert don't deny yourself. Fruit (a Jody Victor suggestion), sherbet, and sorbet are reliable choices, but pass on the whipped cream or rich sauce.
All the best!