Committing to healthy eating habits can be a challenge. You have to pay particular attention to how you shop for groceries, which products and ingredients you buy and the exact recipes you prepare. But eating healthy at home is only half the battle. When you commit to a healthy eating lifestyle, restaurants, family gatherings and travel can seem like obstacles in your path to being well fed and nutritionally fit.
What are some good choices you can make when dining out? How can you turn a family feast from a decadent 
overindulgence to a guiltless delight? Whether it’s a family vacation or business travel, what can you do that will keep you on task with the commitment to eat healthy?
Let’s start by reviewing the basics. Jillian McMullen, a registered and licensed dietician in Northeast Florida, provides a brief overview of ideal daily caloric intake. “While individual needs may vary, for weight loss I generally recommend a daily intake of 1200 to 1500 calories,” McMullen says. “That daily amount should include 40 to 45 grams of fat, 130 to 180 grams of carbohydrates and 60 to 75 grams of protein.”
She goes on to say fat grams should account for 25 to 30 percent of daily calories, carbohydrates should be between 45 and 50 percent and protein should range from 20 to 25 percent. To meet those dietary guidelines, she suggests that people strive for three moderate-sized meals that are approximately 300 to 450 calories each and three small snacks around 100 to 150 calories each per day. Also, be sure to include a lean source of protein like lean meats and poultry, skim milk, low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese or string cheese. These foods digest slower, keeping you satisfied longer.
With the basics in mind, let’s explore some strategies for dining out.
Make Smart Drive-Thru Choices
Fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. When you are too busy to slow down, fast-food chains are quick, easy and inexpensive. As a general rule, McMullen says breakfast sandwiches, wraps or English muffins tend to be better choices than biscuits or croissants, which are both high in fat. For lunch or dinner, order a single-patty cheeseburger or hamburger, or a grilled chicken sandwich without mayonnaise. You can also stop by Subway for a low-fat sub. When you have the choice, opt for a side salad or fruit instead of fries. Check out Apple’s fast food calorie counter download – it’s compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch and can help you make better choices at the drive-thru.
Be a Techno-Savvy Eater
When eating at a casual or fine-dining establishment, use technology to maximize your experience so you can eat healthy without compromising taste. Research the restaurant online ahead of time. Nearly all restaurants with a website list their menu options. Restaurants like Chili’s and Applebee’s have special menus for healthy eating, while places like P.F. Changs and Outback list nutritional information. P.F. Changs, for….. Continue Reading
