Healthy Diet for March 4 – Eat Out, Eat Right

Remember when eating out was a special occasion? That’s changed!

On average, today’s American consumers eat out more than four times a week and spend more than 46 percent of their food dollars away from home. That said, eating out needs as much smart-eating attention as eating in.

When you eat out, order wisely, savor the food, enjoy the company.

• Order less: appetizers as main dishes, no extra sides, one drink, not two.
• Know where more calories lurk: creamy sauces; fried foods; high-fat extras, such as margarine, butter, sour cream; salad dressings; sugary desserts.
• Have it your way. Ask for sauce on the side, veggies without salt or butter, or grilled rather than fried fish.
• Outsmart the menu. Decide what you’ll eat when it’s served; push the rest aside, or take it home for tomorrow.
• Enjoy the flavor adventure. Try a dish with an uncommon veggie or fruit: parsnips, fennel, guava, pepino, and so on.