Eat Healthy on the Town

Meals on the town used to be a treat. Once a month, the family would pile in the car to "give mom a break" and gather at a local restaurant. These days, however, restaurant food is an everyday fact of life for many of us. It's easy to grab a pizza or bucket of chicken on the way home from work, and picking up a sandwich at lunchtime is certainly faster than packing one in the morning.

There's no doubt that fast food is a real time saver for many. But while we're saving time and trouble, what kind of effect is all of this having on our bodies? It takes some diligence, but it is possible to eat healthy when you eat out.

On the Side

You might think that ordering a salad is a great mealtime choice, but those rich dressing can really pack a calorie wallop. Ask for your salad dressing on the side, and use as much or as little as you wish. The same holds true for gravy and other sauces. If you absolutely must have gravy with your fries, at least you can have some control over your calorie intake.

Grill It

Fried foods are laden with nasty fats, so why settle for fried foods when you can have your meats and veggies grilled, baked, broiled, poached or steamed. These cooking methods use little or no fat, and are much lower in calories. When foods are grilled, the natural flavors are greatly enhanced, and there is little need for rich butters, gravies and sauces. You can whittle away even more fats and calories by having the chef grill your foods without additional oil or butter. The food will be delicious and only your hips will know the difference.

It Is Pastable to Eat Healthy

Think you can't incorporate your love of pasta with your healthy diet? Think again. You can eat pasta, so long as you stay away from those rich, cream-based sauces. Try a zesty fresh tomato-based sauce, instead of a rich alfredo sauce that will wreak havoc on your waistline. Tomato sauces are light, low-fat ways to bring your pastas to life, and will add a vegetable count to your food wheel. Add a sprinkling of cheese and spices for a truly delicious meal.

Drink to Your Good Health

Alcoholic beverages are not your best choice as meal accompaniments. Instead, order a glass of water, milk or juice, or a cup of tea. Soft drinks are also bad choices. Your value meal may come with a cup of pop, but you aren't obligated to accept it. Ask for an alternative beverage, and be willing to pay the extra quarter for a glass of milk. Your bones will thank you for it.

Start Smart

Some people skip appetizers in fear of extra calories, but a little meal before your meal can actually be a great idea. Soups, for instance, are sensational low-cal appetizers to take the edge off of your hunger before the main course arrives. Ask for a nice broth or consomme base, and watch out for fatty cream soups and chowders. Instead of a big main course, try two appetizers, like a soup and salad. You'll save money and eat less.

Would You Like Fries with That?

When given the option, take a baked potato, rice or better yet, vegetables instead of French fries. Baked potatoes are filling and low in fat, as long as you skip the butter and sour cream. Give you spud a little extra spunk with a scoop of salsa.

High Fiber, Low Fat

Base your meal choice on dishes that use fruits and vegetables as key ingredients. These are essential sources of dietary fiber that your body just can't do without. Ask for whole wheat bread and pasta, and brown rice instead of white. Speaking of bread, feel free to have a slice, but skip the butter and oils.

Know When to Say No

When you start to feel full, it's time to stop eating. Sound a little too simple? You'd be surprised at how many people insist on getting "their money's worth" by eating every last bit of their restaurant meals. Listen to your belly and know when you've had enough. Half of tonight's pasta will make a fantastic lunch tomorrow, so go ahead and ask for a doggy bag.

Share the Sweetness

What's better than a sinfully delicious dessert? Half of it! If you're craving dessert, go for it -- then give half to your companion. Order that slice of caramel pecan cheesecake, with two spoons, please. Half the dessert equals half the calories. If you prefer, opt for sweet and sensible, like fruit salad or light and tasty sorbet.

You should make healthy choices when you're on the run, but it's also OK to treat yourself now and then. If you're celebrating a special event and you want melted butter with your lobster, go right ahead. All types of foods can find a place in a well-balanced diet. Don't deprive yourself of the foods you really love. Your time is precious, after all, so enjoy every minute of it.

Users Reading this article are also interested in:

Taste The Best Beer In Town, by Mark Buds
How To Eat Chocolate, by Howie Wang
Stay Healthy, by Chris Alleny