Share a Healthy

Think it's not possible to watch your calories while dining out? Well, think again. Eating out should be a fun, relaxing experience - not one that brings about stress, anxiety and worry. By following these simple tips, the only thing you'll have to worry about the next time you go to a restaurant who will pay the bill?


Plan ahead. Most restaurants have their menus on-line, so have a quick glance before you decide where to go. The majority of eateries today have a varied menu to accommodate all customers, but it never hurts to be pro-active. If the restaurant only serves deep fried food or ice cream sundaes, then you might want to consider an alternative. Some restaurants even provide the nutritional content of their food which needless to say, will make planning your meal out much easier.
If you don't ask, they won't tell. You won't be arrested for making a request. Ask your server to have your food prepared in a certain way. Restaurants are more than willing to accommodate their customers, so why not ask for your food to be grilled, poached, boiled or even steamed instead of fried (as it may be listed on the menu). You'd be surprised at how many ingredients they actually have in the kitchen so even asking for something that is not on the menu is a good idea. Cheese, sour cream, butter, and mayonnaise are all items that should not be eaten when dining out because chances are, the restaurant won't have the fat free versions of these high fat ingredients. Simply requesting that your meal not be served with these items will be enough to avoid temptation.

On the side. Requesting any ingredient to be on the side will allow you to be in control of how much you eat. Instead of getting the salad dressing that is listed on the menu (smothered on your salad,) why not ask for olive oil and vinegar on the side?
by Bobbi Leder