Dining out can be a healthy experience…..here’s
how!
1. Don’t be passive. If you don’t want bread to
be served or dressing to be placed on your salad, say so. It's
far easier to not eat something if it's not present. Trying
to avoid the item once it's on the table is harder to do.
2. If you regularly eat at a chain restaurant, check the menu
and the calorie content so you can make informed decisions.
This information is available at www.calorieking.com.
3. Ask for items not on the menu. If broccoli (or another one
of your favorite vegetables) is one of the dishes but not offered
as a side, ask for it. Have all vegetables without dressings.
Ask for a vegetable to be substituted for rice or pasta.
4. The best bet for lower calorie dishes is to avoid cream
sauces, red meat dishes, fried foods, dishes with cheese, or
dishes made with nuts.
5. If the restaurant traditionally serves large portions, consider
sharing your meal with your dinner date. Both people can order
a salad or appetizer and share an entrée.
6. If your date doesn't want to share, consider ordering a
well chosen appetizer as your entrée.
7. Fish (not fried or in sauce) is generally the best low-calorie
choice on the menu. Remember, a good meal has 2-3 vegetables
and a protein.
8. Watch how others order. If a friend or family member has
a normal body weight and generally eats healthy, let them order
first and you copy. Pick someone to be a role model and imitate
their skills.
9. Restaurants are generally chilly. This is done intentionally
because we tend to eat more when we're cold. Bring a sweater
and order carefully.
10. Don’t skip a meal in preparation for going out to
dinner. Visiting a restaurant when you're starving is asking
for trouble. It's difficult to make wise food decisions when
you're hungry.
About Tidewater Bariatrics
Tidewater Bariatrics specializes in the medical treatment of
overweight and obese individuals. By introducing a Bariatric
physician into the weight-lose process, individuals gain access
to a doctor's knowledge, prescription medication to help reach
goals, and the specialization to treat even the most complicated
cases including those with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease,
sleep apnea or cancer. The clinic's health care team also provides
individuals with the latest education on healthy living, nutrition,
exercise, and wellness in order to bring about the lifestyle
changes necessary for lifelong success.
Dr. Margaret Gaglione contact
757-644-6819, doctor@twb4u.com