Eat Healthy

What are some general guidelines for eating in and staying healthy?

Following a few simple rules when you are eating in will make it possible to

maintain your nutritious diet even when you are away from home or on the road.

Order food to go – Studies show that people tend to consume more food when they are not eating at their own kitchen tables. When you take fast food home, you also have the option of providing a healthier side dish such as fruit or vegetables.

Stick to the light menu/Make careful menu selections –Many restaurants provide healthy options on their menu and most sit-down places will modify menu items on your request. Fast food restaurants have also become aware of the importance of healthy foods and offer many nutritional items aside form the standard salad options. They will also provide nutritional information for each item upon request. Knowing how food is prepared can be a good indication of whether it will work with your diet or ruin it. Main courses which have been baked, broiled, roasted, poached or steamed will be more healthy than anything fried. Salads with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lighter dressings will be better than salads with croutons, cheeses, meats and heavy dressings.


Don't be afraid to special order –Most restaurants have plenty of things that are good for you, but they are served in heavy sauces. Ask for your vegetables and main dishes to be served without the sauces. Ask if things are fried or cooked in oil or butter – if they are, see if you can order them in a more healthy way. Many restaurants, even fast food restaurants know that people are choosing to become healthier everyday and are happy to accommodate your requests.


Watch portion size –At a typical restaurant, a single serving provides enough calories for at least two meals. Portion sizes at restaurants are usually double or triple what a person would normally eat so it is important to keep that in mind when ordering and eating. If it is possible to order a smaller portion (often called ‘half sizes'), that will help eliminate the temptation to overeat. However, “half sizes” are not always an option so as a rule of thumb: try to live about one-third of your entrée on your plate to either bring home for lunch or the dogs.

Share –Sharing entrees, appetizers and desserts with dining partners is a great idea. It allows you to sample something that you really want to have while also helping you avoid the temptation to overindulge. If you are sharing with a friend or your partner, your portion size is automatically reduced and there is less available to eat. It is still important to make good menu choices, but sharing might make dessert (or something else indulgent) more of an option.


Order sauce and dressing on the side – If you ask for sauces and dressings on the side, you can control the amount that you eat. Often you can use less than is normally used and still enjoy the same taste.
d and still enjoy the same taste.

Use common sense – Think of eating out in the context of your whole diet. If it is a special occasion or a fun social occasion and you know you want to order your favorite meal at a nice restaurant, cut back on your earlier meals that day. Moderation is always key, but planning ahead can help you relax and enjoy your dining out experience without sacrificing good nutrition or diet control.