Daily Fit Tip: Have your dinner, eat it too
Americans eat out on average four to five times per week, says a survey conducted in 2000. Once a special treat, going out to eat is now routine, which makes it more important than ever that we're careful about what we consume. Keep these guidelines in mind when enjoying your favorite cuisines.Italian
- Don't go overboard on portions that come with the names pesto, creamy tomato, alfredo, carbonera, pancetta, sausage, pepperoni, parmigiana, stuffed, or frito -- this means fried.
- Cut down on your servings of pasta dishes stuffed with cheese, like manicotti and lasagna. Instead choose noodles with a sprinkling of cheese.
Chinese
- Watch out for sauces. They are generally low in fat but high in sodium or sugar. Examples are: Black bean, hoisin, oyster, plum, and sweet and sour.
- Steer away from the words fried, crispy, or golden brown. It means the food has been battered and fried. Think egg rolls, egg foo young, spring rolls, pot stickers, won tons, and sesame noodles and you'll know what I mean.
- Beware of MSG (monosodium glutamate), a flavor enhancer that may come with sensitivity issues. Ask for your food to be prepared without this additive.
Japanese
- Minimize your sodium intake by passing on some of these: Miso, soy sauce, and teriaki. Try balancing these items with a lot of fruits, veggies, and water.
- Be mindful of the amount of cream cheese, avocado, and fried foods that are packed into your sushi rolls.
Mexican
- Choose your sides wisely. Most Mexican meals automatically come with chips, beans, rice, and tortillas. Forgo some and pick only what you really love.
- Order a side salad instead of either rice or beans for added nutrition and fiber.
- Take black or pinto beans over the refried variety -- these are higher in fat and some restaurants still use lard when preparing them.
- Use salsa and pico de gallo -- they are loaded with nutrients -- to add flavor without adding fat.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-06-2008 @ 2:38PM
nikkicookers said...
Big helper... Avoid alfredo sauce... Sooo fattening.
nikki cook
http://fitconnect.com/lilnicky1234
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