subject: Burn Fats Fast! How to ensure healthy eating when dining out? [print this page] Burn Fats Fast! How to ensure healthy eating when dining out?
I believe most of us will probably associate healthy eating to home cooked food as opposed to the food sold outside whether in restaurants or nearby eataries. The images of our good oldmum busy preparing the meals for us may immediatelysurface for some as "mum knows best".
This is true to a cetain extend that we are able to control what kind of ingredients we use and also the cooking method used to prepare the dishes. Therefore, being in control is one of the challenges faced by diners who are trying to adopt healthy eating habits.
This is an important aspect if you are really serious about watching what you eat in order to achieve healthy eating. Why did I say that? It's because for many of us, we spent most of our waking hours in the office and it is not uncommon for most people to have their 3 square meals outside on top of their business lunches or dinners. Therefore, if you cannot be in control of your diet, chances are that it will derail your effort to eat healthy.
So what are the things to take note of to ensure healthy eating when dining out? One of the most important thing diners can do to eat healthy at restaurants is to be proactive. Diners should not be afraid to ask how a dish is prepared, or what ingredients are used in its preparation. If the server does not know, ask him or her to check with the chef. A good chef will be happy to answer such questions, and to make modifications in the recipe if needed. In addition, most restaurants will happily accommodate special needs, such as low fat or low sodium dishes. After all, the restaurant is there to serve its patrons.
Many restaurant chains and even fast food chains have realised that they need to cater to the demand for this specific group of people advocating healthy eating and have incorporated healthier menu to satisfy their demand.It is important, therefore to pay close attention to the menu and make the healthiest choices possible.
Below is a list of pointers you can consider when dining out:
Order entrees that are grilled, baked or broiled. Deep fried dishes are best avoided. If you are unsure how a dish is prepared, don't be afraid to ask. This is all about making informed choices so that you can choose the healthiest choice possible,
Portion size is just as important at the restaurant as they are at home. That means ordering the petit fillet instead of the full size steak, requesting half size portions of French fries, or request to replace that with baked beansor a piece of cornand maybe even forgoing that tempting dessert. Choosing leaner cuts of meat or fish is also a good way to eat healthier.
When choosing side dishes, askfor steamed vegetablesif possible. Steamed veggies are an excellent, low fat, low calorie choice for many diners. Vegetables that are fried, or prepared in cream or butter sauces are best avoided as they will load you with extra calories.
When ordering salad, ask if fat free choices are available. Go for olive oil if it is available. Most restaurants should have a variety of fat free or low fatsalad dressing available. If no low fat option exists, request the dressing on the side so that you can control the amount that is used. In this way, you reduce calories intake as well.
When ordering soup, choose broth based soups, and avoid bisques or rich soups like cream of crab or cream of broccoli. A simple vegetable soup is a delicious and low fat alternative.
Replace high fat, high calorie French fries with healthier alternatives such as fresh fruit or an unbuttered baked potato. Most restaurants will be happy to accommodate such special requests.
In Italian restaurants, stick with the tomato based sauces and avoid cream or heavy Alfredo sauces. A simple pesto sauce without meat is a good choice for most pasta dishes. Some of the pasta are served with olive oil which is a better option than cream sauce as well.
When dining atChinese restaurants, gofor the steamed rice and stir fried vegetable entrees. Usually, chinese restaurants have amyraid of cooking methods which include steam, broil, braised, grilled, double boiled etc. toname some. You can easily banish deep fried order and substitue for other healthier methods of cooking. Try to avoid the heavy sauces and request that your meal be prepared with less oil. In addition, try to choose dishes that feature less meat and more fresh vegetables.
Choose a light dessert of fresh fruit or sorbet. When ordering traditional desserts, order one and share it with your dining partner. This way, you split and share your calories intake.
If you decide to dine at fast food restaurants, avoid the tempation to up-size even though there are more cost savings. You will increase the portion size which increases your total calories intake if you finish the entire portion. Some of the fast food chain offer salads and grilled version and it is good to make that your top option. Alternatively, you can also check on the nutritional guide if it is available to confirm that you have made a good choice.
While dining out certainly presents challenges to those trying to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, there is no reason to forgo the pleasure of an occasional meal out. By following the guidelines listed above, and by adding some creative tips of your own, you can make dining out a healthy experience as well as a pleasant one.
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