As the heat of summer fades away, it is comforting to note that everyone can still continue to have fun, enjoy social gathering by dining in your favorite restaurants. The environment can create challenges to eating well. Busy schedules often mean people have less time to shop for food, prepare meals and eat with family members. People rely more on pre-prepared foods and meals made outside the home.
When you were young, perhaps your parents encouraged you to clean your plate. But chances are your plate didn’t contain nearly as much food as most restaurants serve today. There’s no shame on leaving some food—and some calories – on your plate or pack leftover for your next meal. One portion – control strategy is to ask for a doggie bag when you order, and put half your entrée in it before you start eating--- this situation rarely happened but possible for dog lovers. Another way is to split an entrée with a friend.
Consider going out for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch portions tend to be smaller --- and cheaper. Another way to get smaller, cheaper portions is to order a few appetizers, rather than a full meal.
Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets or restaurants. It’s not a deal if you save money, but load up on extra calories. If you do find yourself in an all-you-can eat setting, limit yourself to two trips. There are all-you-can-eat ‘ala carte’ style like Top Gun located at New Westminster Quay Market. You can choose from the menu your choice of preparation and their serving portions are small. Also, the menu offers wide variety of interesting healthy choices like grilled fishes, sea foods and vegetables in addition to Japanese food preparations like sushi and sashimi.
When you enter a restaurant, check the menu for healthy choices. If you can’t find any, go to another place. Once you’ve found a restaurant, remember these tips.
Avoid fried foods: They are usually fried in hydrogenated shortening that’s bad for arteries and waistline.
Look for dishes with fruits and vegetables. Chinese restaurants are one of the best bets.
Make requests. Don’t be afraid to special order your meal. You’re paying for it, after all. Ask to substitute a side order of vegetables for French fries. Or have them bake your food instead of frying it. Remember, just because you’re eating on the run doesn’t mean you have to take shortcuts with your health. Even fast food can be healthy if you make the right choices.
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If you get a chance to visit Victoria, BC , try the ‘ala carte’ Asian menu of The Noodle Box located at Douglas St. Discover the mouth-watering stri-fry noodles and soups. Among our favorites, Malay Fried Rice which is made of Jasmine rice, fried prawns, chicken, egg, mild curry spices, cilantro greens, sprouts and herbs. They have a branch at Kitsilano, Vancouver.
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