Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Quick Tips to Eating out Smarter

Prevent that guilty, over-stuffed feeling (along with excess salt, fat, and calories) by making simple, smart choices at your favorite restaurants. 

Adjust Other Meals. Planning to go out Friday night? Make your breakfast and lunch more nutritious and lean to compensate for fat, calories, and nutrition.  

Don't Go Hungry. Practice mindful eating by listening to hunger and fullness cues right up until you go out. Show up hungry, not ravenous. Remember to take wait time into account. 

Practice Portion Control. Split a large meal with your friend, set aside half of your meal in a to go box before taking your first bite, or choose a lunch-sized portion.

Get to the Point. If you are craving a burger and nothing else will do, order the burger and focus on it whole-heartedly. Don't waste time with drinks, appetizers, or desserts.

Watch out for Starters. That little loaf of bread or basket of chips and salsa can take a lot of stomach space and calories. Save room for your meal by asking your waiter to nix them.

Focus on the Basics. Choose a vegetable- rich dish whenever possible. Opt for chicken or fish over hamburger or steak.

Judge a Meal by Its Name. Baked, grilled, steamed, or broiled are better choices than fried, crispy, breaded, creamy, or buttery.

Be Soup Savvy. Broth or tomato-based soups pack less calories and fat than creamy. The same goes for pasta sauces.

Spice It Up. Choose herb-filled dishes to maximize flavor while minimizing salt and fat.

Personalize It. As a customer, you can ask for special preparations. Hold the mayo, get vinaigrette dressing on the side, and get whole wheat whenever possible.

EMI Health is a nonprofit organization that has been providing health benefits in the Intermountain West for 80 years. We currently provide medical, dental, and vision coverage to more than 150,000 members in Utah and Arizona. For more information, visit EMIHealth.com.

http://www.cancer.org/healthy/eathealthygetactive/takecontrolofyourweight/restaurant-eating-tips
http://diet.mayoclinic.org/diet/eat/make-healthy-choices-at-any-restaurant?xid=nl_MayoClinicDiet_20150417

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