Sep 2nd, 2010 | Written by Original Writer | Posted in Food |

Fighting calories when going to restaurants might seem like a paradox, but with a little willpower and some prudent decision making, it is very possible to order a meal that abides by any diet. Let’s look at some ways that calories can easily be fought while dining out.

Round One
Don’t wait until the main entrée is ordered to start fighting calories. The drink is the very first source of empty calories. Alcoholic drinks, soda, and specialty coffee beverages all contain a great deal of sugar. Is that really a way that you want to spend your precious allotted calories? Choosing a healthier alternative, like water with lemon, un-sweetened iced tea, or plain coffee, means you win round one of the fight against calories. Remember, water has zero calories!

Appetizers, free bread and butter, free chips, etc.. are quick ways to sabotage your calorie allotment, some even have more calories than a typical healthy meal would have. If an appetizer is something that you just can not skip, then choose a healthy one. Instead of fried, floating in cheese, and carbohydrate loaded appetizers, choose a garden salad with olive oil or vinegar-based dressing.

Round Two
Unless you happen to live in a state that requires the restaurant to post calorie content, it can be very hard to estimate calorie content for many of the entrées. Keeping it simple is one of the best ways to fight calories. Choose a lean protein entrée (skinless chicken, fish, or lean beef)

Ask for the condiments on the side, and opt for lower calorie mustard and ketchup instead of mayonnaise. Decline any “special sauces,” as these are often filled with sugar and salt.

If the entrée comes with a heavy starch side, ask to substitute a vegetable or fruit. At the very least, ask the waiter to leave off any butter, sour cream, bacon, cheese, etc.. If the restaurant doesn’t have alternatives, then you can always control the portion by splitting the meal into thirds. Bring the leftovers home for two other meals.

Round Three
Dessert is often the hardest portion of the meal to cut back on, but you really don’t want to ruin a healthy meal with such a massive amount of calories. Desserts, like fresh berries and cream, is a good alternative to a 1000 calorie piece of cheesecake. Some restaurants will also have a diabetic selection of desserts, meaning that it contains limited amounts of sugar or a sugar substitute, which can dramatically reduce calories. You could also split a higher caloric value dessert into thirds.

Fighting calories when dining out doesn’t have to be a daunting or fearful event. Just make a few wise decisions, and before you know it… you’ve won the fight.

Popularity: 1%