By Nikki Headley
You go to a restaurant and you find yourself eyeing a big juicy cheeseburger. You know that if you eat that cheeseburger it will throw off all of your hard work of watching what you ate that day. You order it anyway. How do you eat good food and keep your body where you want it? Maybe if you follow some of these steps you can have your cake and eat it too.
1. Side Items
So let’s say you do order that cheeseburger. So many people end up overeating not because they ordered a cheeseburger but because they order French fries and a baked potato with their meal. How about ordering a green veggie in the place of the fries. You can also order a baked sweet potato or sweet potato fries instead. This will make your meal much healthier than before.
2. Appetizers
Many people love ordering appetizers before they eat their actual meal. While appetizers are very tasty, many times they are loaded with calories and starches. My recommendation would be to order a salad with your meal instead. While salads aren’t always the most fun thing to eat, at least you will get full faster and you will be getting the nutrients your body needs.
3. Drinks
Believe me, I love sweet tea as much as the next person. But that does not mean I order some every time I eat out. Instead of ordering tea or a soda try water. I know many people hate the idea of water but it really is one the best things you could order. Besides, water is often free so it saves money. I guess if you can’t stand water you could always order a diet soda or sweeten your unsweetened tea with Splenda. Still, the jury’s still out on if artificial sweeteners are just as bad for you.
4. Desserts
Okay I know deserts can be a controversial topic. I for one love any type of sweet, but I can’t go get a frappe after each time I eat out. Instead of eating a brownie or drinking a milkshake try iced coffee. Coffee really helps when I feel that sweet tooth coming on. Fruit is also a more natural and very sweet tasting. It will give you the sugar rush you need.
If eating out gives you any problems with your health try some of these tips. I know they aren’t as fun to begin with, but the rewards to your body are well worth it. So give some of these tips a try.
Contact the writer: sheadle1@aum.edu
[ Edited by Jade Curtis - 11/12/13 ]