Faster isn't always better!

In today’s world of longer commutes to work, coffee shops on every corner and fast food restaurants being birthed like dandelions – it is no wonder we find it challenging to resist some of the not so good temptations.

Here are some tips to help you make better restaurant decisions:

• Never go to any establishment hungry. Always have something with protein or fiber before you go. Some good examples: Fruit, Veggies, Eggs, Toast with Nut Butter.


• Skip the good ole buffeteria. Everyone runs into trouble there as our eyes are so much bigger than our stomachs.


• Drink water before your meal as this will lessen the amount of food you eat – sometimes thirst is masked by what we think is hunger.


• Smarter appetizer choices are shrimp cocktail, bruschetta or a side salad.


• Every time a salad is ordered, put the dressing on the side and skip the croutons, parmesan etc. (Olive oil and lemon juice work well too)


• Always take a pass on the bread basket.

HOT DISHES

• Soups can be very misleading as they often have a very high salt content, which causes us to hold on to more water, making the scale say ‘What just happened here!’


• Words like grilled, steamed, roasted and baked indicate less fat was used to cook them – go with those choices.


• Words like alfredo sauce, cheese sauce, battered, breaded, buttered, creamed, crispy, deep-fried, fried, hollandaise, pan fried, pastry, prime, rich, sautéed, scalloped, gravy, mayonnaise and thick sauce usually mean it is high in calories and fat.


• Most restaurant meals are equivalent to 2-3 real ones for portions. Never hesitate to split your plate in half the moment you get it. Eat half and package the other half.


• Say no thank you to mayo in any sandwich.


• Turn your eyes away from any white pasta or rice, white potato and deep fried delectables.


• Salsa is a great substitution for any sauce.

DESSERTS AND ALCOHOL

• If alcohol is to be served red or white wine is a better choice. If you want hard liquor, go with vodka or gin with water, or a diet pop beverage.


• Don’t forget to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage. This will lessen the aftermath of your festivities and maybe fill you up to drink or eat less.


• When a dessert insists itself, sherbet, fresh fruit, frozen yogurt or Cobblers (without the cream sauce) are better choices. Also, do not hesitate to share it with your table mates.