So many have asked me to address the whole issue of healthy dining so this week I am. Whether you're in the midst of an effort to lose or maintain a healthy weight, eating well at your favorite restaurant can be a daunting experience. But don't worry it can be done.
Over the last few months I've had a lot of opportunities to dine out - more so than normal. Having firsthand experience of the challenges you face I am going to provide you some valuable tips to help maneuver through your next dining adventure.
Here are your Dining Tips:
1. Just Say No: Don't even let the waiter consider bringing the bread basket to your table. Trust me you won't even miss it. In fact, yesterday my husband and I went to Sunset in Malibu, the restaurant where we had our wedding. It was lovely, although 93 degrees at the end of April even at the beach was somewhat disconcerting. So we had completed our wonderful meal when I noticed every other table either had a bread basket on it or was graciously having it served. Had the waiter done the same for us I could have been tempted to have some bread since I was quite hungry and not enjoy my meal as much. So just say no as much as you can - Save your palate for the main meal instead.
2. Hold the Dressing: Most dressings are loaded with sugar, unhealthy fat and salt. Oftentimes when I review the "Eat This Don't Eat That" blog I am shocked by the caloric content of most commercial salad dressings. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time you know I'm not big on calorie counting, but if you know how many calories most dressings contain you'll think twice. Choose Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar and you'll be good to go.
3. Some Protein: Whether you're a meat eater, pescatarian or vegetarian, it's important to have some source of protein in your meal. Your choices could consist of a ½ handful of shrimp, buckwheat noodles with goat cheese or nut meatloaf. Your plate should consist of ¼ of protein no more. OK so most restaurants might not offer the buckwheat noodles but a lot are now offering quinoa and certainly rice as well. Beans are also an adequate source and an option for you.
4. Make Mine Veggie: I am advising more and more on the importance of focusing on having a primarily plant based diet. It is vital for good health, good for animals and for the planet in general. Put a small amount of protein on your plate and make the rest veggies. Think of reducing your consumption and demand for more humane treatment of animals. We all want that - right?
5. Dessert Not Necessary: You should not need to have dessert if you had a balanced meal. Eliminating this cultural tradition does require some conscious effort and it can be done. If you need to tell yourself you'll have something sweet later - by the time later comes you've most likely either forgotten about or lost the desire.
Enjoy your meal out!
(c) Monika Klein
Monika Klein, BS, CN. is an award winning clinical nutritionist and weight loss expert. Monika is the "Compassionate and Practical Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach." Her company, Coaching For Health, offers life transforming weight loss and wellness programs, classes and products throughout the world. To learn more about Monika's services and programs, visit http://www.coachingforhealth.com.
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