| Here's food for thought! Did you know the | | | | caloric and carbohydrate load. Also, stick to |
| average restaurant meal has over 1,000 | | | | tomato based sauces rather than cream based |
| calories? That's enough to blow any healthy | | | | and you'll enjoy a considerable calorie |
| eating plan. Fortunately, by following a few | | | | savings. Lastly, ask for the sauce to be |
| simple guidelines, you can dine out without | | | | served in a separate dish on the side so you |
| having to sacrifice good taste and nutrition. | | | | can control the amount you eat. |
| | | | |
| 1. Avoid ordering an appetizer. It's a little | | | | 4. Think about what you're drinking with your |
| known fact that some appetizers have more | | | | meal. By not ordering an alcoholic beverage, |
| calories and fat than the main course. Plus, | | | | you've saved yourself a considerable number |
| many appetizers are fried and served with | | | | of calories. Try sipping iced tea sweetened |
| heavy sauces which will add to your intake of | | | | with a noncaloric sweetener, a diet soft |
| saturated fat as well as trans fats and | | | | drink, or water with lemon. You'll be glad |
| calories. It's not a healthy way to start | | | | you did when you consider the calorie |
| your meal. | | | | savings. |
| | | | |
| 2. Say "yes" to salad. Salad is a healthy | | | | 5. Indulge your sweet tooth wisely. Many of |
| eater's best friend. Not only will it fill | | | | the chain restaurants now offer a low fat or |
| you up so you'll consume fewer calories | | | | low carbohydrate dessert selection such as a |
| overall, but it will also give you a hefty | | | | low carb cheesecake. These are wise choices |
| dose of antioxidants which are heart healthy. | | | | for the health conscious eater and still |
| Be sure to ask your waitress to hold the | | | | allow you to end the meal on a sweet note. If |
| croutons and cheese which will further reduce | | | | a healthy dessert option isn't available, try |
| your caloric load. Also, choose your dressing | | | | a cup of coffee with skim milk to help |
| wisely. Avoid cream based dressings and go | | | | satiate your desire for something sweet. |
| for the vinegar based ones. You also have the | | | | |
| option of using vinegar and olive oil which | | | | 6. Learn to control your portions. Many |
| is heart healthy. | | | | restaurants are serving larger quantities of |
| | | | food than in the past. If this is the case, |
| 3. Make the right entree selection. Go for | | | | put aside a portion of your entree at the |
| broiled and grilled rather than fried. Not | | | | beginning of the meal to take home with you. |
| only will you save calories and fat grams, | | | | If you remove it from your plate before you |
| you'll also avoid trans fats which are so | | | | start eating, you'll be less tempted to |
| prevalent in fried foods. Instead, consider | | | | overindulge. |
| asking for a doubles order of vegetables with | | | | |
| your entree. Very few Americans are getting | | | | By following these steps, you can make your |
| the 7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables | | | | dining experiences not only healthy, but |
| recommended for optimal health. Plus, by | | | | enjoyable. Your heart will thank you! |
| avoiding the starch, you'll be reducing your | | | | |