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Feature Articles: Eating Well
Choose healthfully when eating outTammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, Barton County, University of Missouri Extension |
With our hectic lifestyles we are spending more and more of our food dollars at fast food and full service restaurants. We might not have easy access to nutrition information in a restaurant like we do from foods purchased at the grocery store, but it is possible to choose healthfully when eating out. Just keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose meats and poultry that are broiled, grilled or roasted.
This helps keep fat consumption in check.
- Ask if you can substitute a salad or baked potato for French
fries.
- Remember that mayonnaise on sandwiches can add a significant
amount of fat and calories. Have mustard on your burger and
ask for a lower calorie spread on other sandwiches.
- When choosing a sauce, remember that white or cream sauces
are higher in fat. Red or tomato sauces are a better choice
because they have less fat and calories.
- Ask to have your salad dressing on the side. It makes it
easier to limit the amount you eat. Also, try a low-fat salad dressing for fewer calories and fat.
- Portions can be very large at restaurants. Split a meal
with someone or put aside half before you eat and take the
other half home.
- Cream of broccoli soup sounds healthy but anything that
says “cream” is high in calories. Broth-based soups are usually a better choice.
- Resist the urge to mega-size your meal at a fast food restaurant.
An extra large burger and fries can double or triple the total
calories and fat. One large super-sized burger can provide all
of the fat grams you should eat for an entire day!
- All-you-can-eat buffets are great for the pocketbook but not great for the waistline. We tend to eat more food if more food is in front of us. If you do eat at a buffet, be sure to fill your plate with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Eating out has become a necessity for many of us. With planning and self discipline, it is possible to eat a healthful meal that will provide the important nutrients you need.
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Last update: Friday, January 22, 2010
