TIPS FOR EATING HEALTHY WHEN EATING OUT

By Heather Maloney
BIDMC Correspondent
 
For many of us, spring and summer not only mean warm weather and vacations, but a vacation from healthy eating habits. Picnics, outdoor barbecues, long car trips and the ballpark concession stand often mean that eating three balanced meals a day goes away with our winter clothes.
 
Sandra Allonen, a registered dietitian at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, offers some tips on how to eat healthy from now until Labor Day:
 
At picnics and barbecues:
 
•Avoid macaroni and potato salads; opt for vegetables and fruit salads instead
•Bring a healthy dish to the gathering to ensure that you will have at least one nutritious option
•If you have to have soda, make sure it’s diet soda
•At the grill, choose a veggie burger or grilled chicken instead of a hot dog or hamburger
 
At fast food restaurants:
 
•Pick a grilled chicken sandwich or a salad with grilled (not crispy) chicken and light salad dressing
•Choose a fruit cup or side salad with light salad dressing instead of the French fries
•Instead of soda, get water or low-fat milk
•If a restaurant’s only option is a burger and fries, order the smallest size available
•A baked potato is a good idea only if you don’t load it up with butter and bacon bits; otherwise, have a salad
•Look for low-calorie dessert options, like low-fat vanilla ice cream or fruit and yogurt parfaits
 
At the concession stand:
 
•Opt for grilled chicken instead of fried foods, if possible. If you have to have something fried, get the smallest portion available
•Get baked potato chips instead of regular chips
•For a sweet treat, have low-fat soft-serve ice cream instead of cookies or a candy bar
•Drink diet soda (or even better, water) instead of regular soda
 
Above content provided by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
For advice about your medical care, consult your doctor.

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