Tip # 15: Take time to make smart choices when eating out.
Most Americans eat out to fit a busy lifestyle. There are a few things you can do to make sure you're staying on track with a healthy diet.
* Think ahead about your options. Give yourself a couple different restaurants to choose from, think about what you would order at each of them, and then choose the one that is the healthiest. You can use the internet to look up menu items and nutrition facts.
* Eat light when you eat out. Choose a kids size or take half the meal home if it's served on a platter.
* It is completely acceptable to ask for special orders. For example, ask for a baked potato instead of the fries, or leave the mayo off the sandwich. Just be polite when you're asking for special accommodations.
* Last, if you find you're eating out more than a couple times a week, try to think ahead and prepare some meals at home to take with you. If you don't have a way to keep it cool, then take some healthy snacks to go. These snacks may tide you over until you can make it home to have a homemade meal. You can start by making your own trail mix with your favorite cereal, nuts, dried fruit, m&m's, and seeds. Pack it in a snack size bag, otherwise it's tempting to eat the whole bowl. Oranges and bananas are great snacks to travel. Their natural peal keeps the fruit clean from germs in your bag, purse, or where ever you pack it.
If you need any more suggestions for eating out, take a look at this handout from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Health and happiness!
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