Weight Management and The Restaurant Challenge: 8 Tips

We are a society of busy people who’s lives are overscheduled and quite often everything needs to be happening ‘on the run’. The habit of getting food on the go however is how the pounds can subtly creep up on you. When you hit 40, you’ll have to admit the pounds come on faster and go off slower.
We can sit and look around any given restaurant and see plates piled high with portions large enough to feed an entire family. (yes, again I’m harping about the portion thing!) What did we learn as children? We eat what is put in front of us, no waste. When you take a break from the kitchen a few simple guidelines to keep in mind will help with maintaining a healthy diet.

1/ Grocery shopping and dining out: don’t wait until you are starving. If you are hungry you will tend to overeat or mindlessly nibble on anything and everything.
2/ When they bring you giant portions, don’t take this as a challenge to see if you can finish. Leftovers save you cooking the next day! If heading out with another friend who is also conscious of their food intake we will split a meal and order side salads. These tips help when you’re on a tight budget too.
3/ Deep fried ? - say NO. Baked can be good but baked in what? A cheesy, oily or buttery base makes this a no too.. Broiled, grilled, steamed or poached usually offer healthy options. Chicken with skin removed or fish dishes give you an excellent source of protein as well as a lower fat content..
4/ If you want hollandaise, sour cream or butter on your dish, ask to have them served on the side. You can then add a tablespoon or two when typically it would come from the kitchen with a lot more smeared over it
5/ Eating out, unlike eating at home is typically a social event. Taking your time and talking, visiting, sipping water, coffee ONE glass of wine while you set down your fork can make the meal last longer and help you feel satisfied.
6/ Appetizers and the roll basket are the downfall of many. Try and avoid these because the meal should be plenty! A salad or broth based soup would be a safe started if you can’t make it until the meal comes, but… dressing on the side and low fat please.
7/ White sauces or anything in heavy cream – stop right there! Pasta’s in a tomato base are better than a cream sauce in terms of fat and calories.
8/ Sugary pop or alcohol drinks mixed with a sugary pop or fruit juice aren’t the best choices. Water, water and more water work wonders. It will help you feel full.

Everything is good in moderation. We should not deny ourselves however as we age we have likely learned the consequences of over indulging. Extra weight throughout or mid section puts a strain on our internal organs and creates health risks. Exercise over 40 with a proper diet are the two elements that can give you what you need for all around good health.