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