How to season your outings?

Question

How to season your outings?

Answer 1

Does eating out come with a package? Giving in to temptation bogged down by those extra calories and guilt and stumped energy levels — sounds familiar! But certainly you can do better with just a bit of common sense and time-tested tips.

Here are some tips to help you eating outside your home.

Don’t go out to dine or reach a party ravenous. Make sure you take a light snack before leaving your home to prevent over-indulgence of the first thing that you are served.

Appetisers: Start your meals with appetisers like clear soups or salads without rich dressings. Pass the breadbasket if trying to lose weight.

snack Smart: Go for roasted or baked snacks. Choose small portions preferably non-fried, go in for grilled or bar-becued foods wherever possible. Salads make a good snack as well.

limit Alcoholic beverages: Avoid drinking more than 2 medium drinks of wine or other alcoholic beverages. Alcohol stimulates the appetite and can also reduce awareness. Alcohol is primarily a source of empty calories as these calories are stored preferentially as fats. Women should limit their intake to 1 medium drink. Prefer dry wine instead of sweetened wines. Diabetics should watch out for alcohol intake as it can lead to hypoglycemia.

other beverages: Save yourself from sugar calories and avoid drinking sweetened beverages. Most places offer sugar free substitutes or diet sodas. Also go in for fruit juices diluted with soda.

salads: Include salads as a part of the main course. Ask for the salad dressings “on the side”. Ask for a wedge of lemon or some seasoned nice vinegar instead of very oily ones.

portion-ise: If trying to cut calories it may be a good idea to share the main course and take a salad or clear soup as filler. Eat less or reduce portion sizes when eating out, as the food is usually higher in calories.

vegetables: One must look for vegetables with less gravy or without gravy as gravies are loaded with fats and calories. Try grilled, stir-fried or lightly sautéed vegetables with olive oil.

Avoid dishes that require too much frying of the ingredients. If an individual is a non- vegetarian, choosing baked/ roasted/ grilled poultry would be beneficial. Choose fish/poultry to mutton/ beef/pork. Prefer lean cuts of meat.

Do not be afraid to ask for your foods to be prepared without high fat ingredients or sauces.

desserts: Skip desserts if possible, or choose light ones in place of ones with cream or deep fried ones. If temptation overtakes you or you have a sweet tooth, share your favourite ones with your friends. Fruits make a good choice.

balance your choices: If you have overeaten in a particular meal, then eat light in the subsequent meal/meals or walk that extra mile.

There is no formula for eating right, which can be used for everyone. Find your own unique solutions. Following the principles of healthy eating, eating with awareness, along with common sense is all that is needed.

Dining out can be a pleasant way to spend time with friends and family. Dining companions can help by respecting your dietary needs and not encouraging you to order rich dishes. Eating out need not burden you with extra calories and can be a joyful experience.