To Your Health
May, 2007 (Vol. 01, Issue 05) |
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Even when you think you're being healthy by ordering a grilled chicken sandwich, a sneak peek behind the scenes will reveal that a surprising number of chefs douse meats, rolls and even vegetables in butter.
Why do you think restaurant food tastes so much better than old-fashioned home cooking? Be sure to ask your waiter for "no butter added" on your entrée, especially vegetables. Most importantly, restaurants often attract customers with gigantic portion sizes so you feel you're getting your money's worth. Given this reality, consider ordering a lunch portion, if possible, or saving half of your meal for the next day.
The Bright Side
Supply follows demand. Now that the American public is expressing interest in healthier fast-food options - not just offering lip service, but actually spending its hard-earned money - fast-food restaurants are increasingly offering burger and fry alternatives like salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, fruit and yogurt. But no one is going to force-feed you fruits and vegetables. Fast-food companies now offer a wide range of options and leave it to you to "do the right thing." It won't be easy. The commercials don't glamorize salad and fruit as frequently as they do the latest 2-pound burger slathered in sauce, bacon and cheese.
And of course, your hectic life's probably not going to get any less hectic anytime soon. We all have responsibilities to juggle. Healthy eating is just one more ball to juggle, but it's one of the most important ones. Now that you know the keys to sensible eating - at home and on-the-go - you've already taken the first step toward achieving a more balanced life.
Tips for Quick, Healthy Meals On-the-Go
- Always choose grilled over fried - less oil = less fat and calories.
- Order a salad and ask for low-fat dressing on the side.
- Skip the extras: mayonnaise, dressings, croutons, cheese and bacon, milkshakes.
- Share with a friend - you can still have a couple of French fries or onion rings without eating the entire box.
- Forget the bun on your burger, or eat only half of the bun.
- Choose a kid's meal over combo meals and "super-size" items. Believe it or not, kid's meals usually have plenty of food for the average adult.
- Choose fruit salad or low-fat ice cream for dessert rather than pies, cookies or turnovers.
