Going out to eat!

I love good food and I even love desserts more!  I love going to different restaurants and trying different types of food.  Trying new things is fun and exciting, but trying healthier options can be challenging to find.  Usually if we are at a really nice restaurant I will try their most popular option (I try to choose the healthier option), but I will make it a smaller portion. For example: today I went to Famous Fourth Street Deli in Philly.  Let me tell you, their portions are huge, I had to take out half the inside of the sandwich for lunch tomorrow!! But their most popular side is potato pancakes (a little potato sliced deep-fried).  I would totally walk away from that option, but instead I decided to try a small piece just to see what the hype is about.  It was good, but I can definitely live without it and I am glad I tried it once.  I try to leave a restaurant satisfied and without regrets.

Eyeing Up a Menu

When I look at a menu I become very indecisive.  There are certain things I look at and pass right by because of their name; ex: fried chicken or Russian dressing. Here are some tips for choosing between all those yummy menu options.

• If it is a new restaurant, look online at the menu to plan ahead.
• Stay away from fried, crispy, rich, au gratin, and sauteed choices
• Choose steamed, broiled, baked, and grilled options
• Balance with all the food groups: meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grains
• Instead of the fries, ask for a side salad or veggie side
• Portions are usually HUGE and sharing can be a good option or keep in mind how good it will be for lunch tomorrow and save half the plate to box up
• Another portion control option is to order an appetizer and a healthy side
• Don't overdo the bread or chips before, a couple bites to help hunger will do.  Also a breadstick at Olive Garden is 150 calories! These are calories people don't think about.
• Ask what the food is cooked in, if they have whole grain pasta, if you can add veggies in a dish, and about any label you are not sure of.
• Get salad dressing on the side.
• Drink a lot of water to feel more full
• Eat slowly and enjoy the food and time with family and friends.