What To Do When Eating Out

                                                                                         

Is Getting More Food For Your Money Always a Good Value?

It appears that larger portions at restaurants are becoming the trend. Often times it only costs a few cents more to "super size it". Getting more food for just a little extra money may seem like a good value, but what you end up with is way more fat and calories than you need.

Research shows that the more often a person eats out, the more body fat he or she has. Try to prepare more meals at home. Eat out and get take-out foods less often. When you do eat away from home, try these tips to help you control portions:

1. Share with someone, or order a half-portion. Many restaurants offer half-portions. If they don’t then tell the server you want to split a meal. You will be surprised at how much food you get when the restaurant splits the food onto 2 plates for you. This one can be good for your waistline as well as your wallet.

2. Take at least half of your meal home. Ask for a portion of your meal to be boxed up so you will not be tempted to eat more than you need.

3. Stop eating when you begin to feel full. This will require you to slow down when you eat. Try to make a meal more of a social occasion. Focus on enjoying the setting and your friends or family.

4. Avoid "super sizing" the soft drink. You are only consuming a large amount of empty calories. Instead, try drinking water with a slice of lemon. If you must drink soda, choose a calorie-free beverage or a small sugar-sweetened soft drink.

5. When on the road, pack a small cooler of foods that are hard to find, such as fresh fruit, sliced raw vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat yogurt. Also, keep a few bottles of water in your car at all times. When you get thirsty you can open a bottle. The more often you make drinking water a habit, the easier it will be to phase-out sodas and other high-sugar drinks. If you do need to stop at a restaurant, try to choose one that serves a variety of foods such as salads, grilled or steamed entrees, or plain baked potatoes. If you must break down and choose a higher fat option like french fries or pizza, order the small size or ask for a single slice of pizza with vegetable toppings such as mushrooms, peppers, etc.

About the author:
You can find out more about Fit and Faith-A Total Christian Health and Fitness eBook, and download a free 4-day devotional sample, here: http://www.fitandfaith.com

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