June 28, 2022
Making Healthy Choices in Summertime Fun!
Picnics, baseball games, reunions, traveling, dining out, and the 4th of July! It’s the HOLIDAYS all over again. It gives “Christmas in July” a whole other mean
When trying to eat healthy when you are out and about, it doesn’t mean you have to eat celery sticks! Instead, some tricks and tips can keep your dining-out experiences nutritious and yummy no matter where you are!
It’s about making better choices whenever and wherever you may be eating out. Give yourself a head start first by never going out starving! Instead, have a healthy snack before heading out, but not enough to spoil your appetite and dining experience. This way, you won’t dive into the “extras,” breadbasket, or appetizers.
Start with a LARGE glass of water! Also, set an alcohol limit. Try not to have more than one drink before dinner. Have a glass of water between drinks. This is a good time to decide on another drink or dessert!
If you want an appetizer, choose wisely. Avoid deep-fried foods, chips, salsa, nachos, and creamy/cheesy dips. Instead, choose healthy options, shrimp cocktail, hummus and veggies, steamed spring rolls, lettuce wraps, tuna tartar, or ceviche.
When sharing an appetizer, add your portion to the appetizer plate to visualize how much you are eating before you eat it, and don’t go for extras!
Look for healthy cooking methods…. Keywords……roasted, grilled, poached, or steamed. These methods will indicate that the dish has fewer saturated fats and, therefore, fewer calories.
The keywords, fried, battered, or crispy…. not so much!
When eating out, be creative. You don’t have to rewrite a menu, but most restaurants are happy to accommodate small request changes.
Where a salad is concerned, avoid the extra croutons, candied walnuts, pecans, and mounds of cheese. Eating a salad is the chance to load up on extra veggies, not the extras!
“Go Low on Sides” – Forget the French fries. Instead, go for baked, roasted, or boiled potatoes, but “go light” on the butter or cheese or substitute for a salad. Steamed vegetables and brown rice are also great substitutions.
Another tip is to ask for sauces and salad dressings on the side! You can always dip as you need to add a little more flavor and jazz to your food.
What about dessert? My favorite! If you can’t wave off the dessert menu or chart, try to satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruit or small fruit sorbet.
Or try my technique of splitting/sharing with your dinner companion(s) and enjoy a few bites. You don’t have to eat the whole thing to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Allow yourself some flexibility while making wise decisions. Relax and enjoy your dining experience. Sip your coffee or tea & enjoy the conversation.
How about the upcoming July 4th Picnic? Bring a healthy dish like a fruit or veggie tray to pass. This way, you will know you have some healthy options to snack on. Of course, it’s OK then to enjoy a hot dog, hamburger, or slice of pizza!
The same goes for the Ballpark. Who doesn’t want a beer & hotdog, then! You can find other healthy options. Just don’t go there hungry. Try people-watching for distraction, or better yet, WATCH the GAME!
The key to eating out this time of year is to plan. Healthy choices are there if you know what to look for, just plan ahead, stick to your plan, and simply ask for options.
With a few tricks up your sleeve of planning, knowing portions size, sharing, or splitting appetizers, entrees, and desserts, you can cut back on unnecessary empty calories. So go ahead, enjoy yourself without cutting back on your social life!
Enjoy your Summer outings and eating out with friends. It is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But keep in mind that we eat to nourish our bodies for energy and function to live our best lives and practice with “AGE-GILITY!”
Happy Summer, Happy 4th of July, and Bon Appetit!
If you need great tips and tricks for work and traveling, I have them too!