Do you ever go to a fast food restaurant? I guess most of us do at one time or another (or lots of times). the good news is WE CAN DO IT and still apply healthy eating rules. Some fast foods are like McDonalds, Wendy’s, etc. but we also have mall food courts and buffets and others to consider. All fast food – all can be lethal – all can be done and feel good after!! So let’s apply some rules.
1. I always try and decide before I go what I’m going to get. Either I’ve done it before or I look up the restaurant online to see what choices they have. Check out the restaurants website since lots of them will show you the nutritional count of their menu. If not you can at least see the menu, call and ask questions and make your decision wisely.
2. Don’t go hungry (to ANY restaurant). You know how momma told you not to spoil your appetite – I’m going to go against momma and say DO IT! Eat an apple or something low cal so that when you get in EVERYTHING doesn’t look great and everything you’ve planned goes out the window.
3. Eating out is usually a social time so enjoy the company. Actually put your fork (oops, sometimes there aren’t any utensils involved) or your food and TALK. Slows down your eating.
4. Now be mindful of when you’re SATISFIED – NOT FULL!! Stop when you’re satisfied even if it means you haven’t finished everything. PITCH the rest or take it home for later. You’re either going to be WASTEFUL or WAIST FULL. You’ve paid already! You’re satisfied! If you keep eating you’re letting the restaurant tell you how much you need. Isn’t it surprising that a 300 pound person or a 50 pound person gets the same size hamburger and fries (if they’re ordering hamburger and fries!). So does that mean they NEED the same amount. NO! So, stop!!! when you’ve had enough.
5. Watch those buffets. My downfall is Sweet Tomatoes (Soup Plantation, same thing). I think I go just for the corn bread and muffins!! I only get the “free” things on the salad bar with a fat free dressing, water and lemon (and add Splenda for lemonade – I take my own) and the HAVE the cornbread and a muffin. Okay, sometimes I have two but the rest of the meal is basically no calories – or VERY low!
6 Check the menus for healthy choices and then sometimes it’s good to split those. Healthy and low calorie are REALLY two different things. Order the sauces and dressings on the side so you can control how much. Ever order a baked potato and find that it already has lots and lots of butter melted into it?
7. Remember your goal at all times whether it’s to just eat healthy or eat healthy and lose weight. Whichever it is it’s YOU in control of your fate. YOU CAN DO IT!!
Make it a great week. Enjoy your family! And, take a long walk!!
