Weight… What?

(tips and tricks from a couple of foodies)

My wife and I eat out a lot. So how do we stay healthy when dining on restaurant food?

Spread Out!
When ordering a sandwich, skip the mayo, aioli, pesto, cream cheese or other spreads.

This cuts down the calories significantly.

If you’d like some for flavor, ask for it on the side, then just use it sparingly.

Undressed!
The big mistake people make when ordering something healthy like a salad is to trust the restaurant to put on the dressing. Don’t do it!

For most of our salads, we order them undressed, and use a bit of balsamic vinegar for flavor (no oil).

You might also get the dressing on the side. Choose a lighter dressing like a vinaigrette rather than a ranch or other creamy dressing.

Grease Me Up!
If you have a choice between grilled, sauteed or fried, go for grilled.

Second best would be sauteed.

Make sure they don’t add extra butter or oil.

Other Tips…

• Have sandwich bread toasted, no butter. Skip the “grilled bread” or “Texas toast”.
  Bread that’s been slathered in butter and grilled is just a greasy, gross mess to eat!
• Get sauces and dressings “on the side” (or skip them altogether)
• Having pasta? Watch out for the heavy cream-based sauces and cheese. Go for a lighter choice like tomato sauce or primavera.
• Watch the salt! Eating out can also introduce a lot of salt into your diet. When possible, get food without the extra salt. This can be difficult, especially in soups and sauces.
• Choose your restaurant wisely. Some places are just easier to eat healthy at – make a not of those, and frequent them more often.
• Desserts are fine, in moderation. Just don’t have one with every meal. Order something small… or better yet, share with a friend!

Managing your weight can be a difficult proposition when eating out. But it’s not impossible if you’re aware of the pitfalls and follow a few simple rules.

Happy Eating!
Joe

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com