FitSugar

Are You a High-Maintenance Menu Orderer?

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:47:05 -0800

The more concerned I get about healthy eating, the more I start to sound like Sally Albright in When Harry Met Sally. The charming neurotic played by Meg Ryan makes endless substitutions when ordering off menus; as Harry points out, "'on the side' is a very big thing for you."

I confess, I'm also a big "on the side" person. I'm also a fan of sharing entrees and enjoying starters as a main course. Are you high maintenance when it comes to ordering off of restaurant menus?

How Bad Are the 9 Unhealthiest Restaurant Meals?

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:50:00 -0700

I nearly lost my lunch upon discovering the nutritional stats of unhealthiest restaurant meals, as determined by the Center For Science in the Public Interest. The group compiled nine menu items for its Xtreme Eating 2009 dishes, and all of them have extreme amounts of saturated fat, calories, and sodium. Can you guess how bad these items really are? Take the quiz!

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How Many Meals Do You Eat Out in a Week?

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:30:00 -0800

If you are trying to lose weight, eating meals out can be your nemesis. While it can be convenient to eat out all the time, the extra calories add up. The reason food at restaurants tastes better is that fat, and plenty of it, is often the secret ingredient. Plus, I find food cooked by someone else just seems tastier (hint to my hubbie if he is reading this) and a little bit luxurious, even if it is a taco. In relationship to the health goals of losing weight and eating healthier, it is a good idea to asses how often you are eating restaurant fare, be it food from high class joints or fast food chains. So . . .

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What Do You Do to Keep Dining Out From Being a Diet Disaster?

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I just read a little over at iVillage about how celebs stay slim while dining out. For many starlets the answer is lean protein and lots of veggies or taking their dressing on the side. There are many techniques for how to enjoy dining out without compromising your waist line.

How about you...

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Healthy Dining Finder Online

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 17:30:00 -0800

If you're like me you love to eat out but you sometimes have a hard time staying healthy while doing it.

That is why I was pleased when I stumbled across a great new site called Healthy Dining Finder. This site allows you to search by location for restaurants in your area. Then you can look at the list of restaurants and see what items have been selected as the healthiest item choices on the menu. It really helps to take the guesswork out of dining out.

It's great because Healthy Dining's staff of registered dietitians and health/nutrition professionals consult with each restaurant to find menu items that meet their high level of nutrition criteria which are based on recommendations of leading health organizations.

As of now the site still seems to be building its restaurant database but it is growing fast and you will still get decent results so visit HealthyDiningFinder.com to search restaurants near you.

Healthy Eating Tip: Don't Eliminate, Elaborate!

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:14 -0800

When approaching health and fitness, many of us have the mentality that less is more. While this may be a healthy perspective to avoid overeating and practice portion control, a restrictive diet can wreak havoc on your mood and leave you wondering whether there’s anything out there you can eat. Instead, alter your state of mind: rather than thinking about what foods to cut out, start to think of your daily menu as a chance to add great-tasting, healthy options. Challenge yourself to make the most of your mealtime and see just how many creative and good-for-you foods you can include in your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine.

To get creative, I like to take a cue from vegan menus. Let me start by saying that I am not vegan. I love poultry and seafood, but each time I decide to dine vegan, I’m always amazed by the variety on the menu. Every item is loaded with healthful, delicious ingredients that remind me to think outside the box the next time I’m planning a meal.

To get creative meal ideas, just read more.

Craving lasagna or a baked potato? Don’t deprive yourself these treats, simply reimagine them and treat yourself to a healthier version. An eggplant stacks is a great alternative to cheesy lasagna, and using fresh herbs, crumbled tofu, and fresh red pepper means it’s loaded with bold flavors and good-for-you ingredients. A baked sweet potato is another great option – and a great way to satisfy your craving for starch. Plus they are one of the healthiest vegetables around, since they contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and fewer calories than your regular potatoes. Even small changes like these can be big steps toward a healthier attitude and a healthier you.

To get creative ideas from your fellow FitSugar readers, check out their healthy food swap ideas.

Speak Up: What Are Your Healthy Tricks When Dining Out?

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Going out to eat is meant to be fun, but when you're trying to watch your waistline, the experience can be more overwhelming than anything. While it's true that healthy eating is much easier when you dine at home, you shouldn't deny yourself the occasional pleasure of eating at your favorite restaurants. Before hitting up one of my personal faves for a relaxing meal made by someone else, I remind myself of little tricks to make good choices. What tricks do you use when dining out?

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Healthy Habit: Get Fishy When Dining Out

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Eating dinner out does not have to be a diet debacle. Nutritionist Alexa Fishback, author of The Daily Fix, believes dining out is an opportunity to eat fish without making your own kitchen smell fishy. Sounds reasonable right? Stay tuned for more tips from Alexa, and be sure to enter our Get Fit For 2009 giveaway for a chance to win a personalized nutrition plan created by Ms. Fishback, along with many other amazing goodies.

Now here's what she has to say on using dining out as an opportunity to eat fish:
The latest recommendation is for all women to enjoy at least 12 ounces, or 2-3 servings, of fish per week. The only caveat is that women of childbearing age avoid shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel as these large fish contain the highest levels of mercury. Otherwise - the beneficial qualities reaped from eating fish far outweigh mercury risks. It is a main source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Some of us are weary about preparing fish in our homes, so to see some good options to order when you eat out, just read more:

At a steak house, forgo the meat and go for the nice selection of grilled or broiled fish or lobster.
Try sushi. Go for one roll and several pieces of sushi or sashimi.
At a French bistro, try a white fish, filleted and covered with lemon juice - it is delicious. Or, order the mussels in white wine or tomato sauce.
At Italian, go for the warm seafood salad - trust me, it is as tasty as any of the pasta dishes with less calories and more nutrition.

For more tips, check out all of Alexa’s Healthy Habits or pick up her book, The Daily Fix.

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Diet Tip: When Dining Out, Add Extra Veggies to Your Meal

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700

We all know we should be eating more vegetables, but when it comes to dining out, aside from ordering a salad or veggie entrée, meals tend to be lacking in the vegetable department. So don't be shy. Ask your waiter or waitress if you can add veggies to your meal. Ask for specific veggies that you love, or ask them to surprise you with a mix. Add them to your pizza, pasta dishes, stir-fries, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and eggs. Chinese, Thai, and Italian restaurants are usually happy to accommodate your request, but it can't hurt to ask when you're dining at other places, too. You may have to pay a little extra for added veggies, but it's so worth it considering your mouth will love the tasty variety, and your body will appreciate the extra fiber and nutrients.

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Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:33 -0700

Cucumber tartines for a lowfat and fancy snack - Vitamin G
Three ways to run almost barefoot - Vital Juice
How Starbucks affects your waist - That's Fit
Katie Holmes runs in 769 Pink New Balance sneakers - Fit Celeb
Get physical with your man and make a tennis date - Fresh Fitness Tips
Make the most of your next sushi meal - Healthy Bites
Ten salads to avoid when dining out - Daily Spark
Don't fall prey to the couch potato syndrome this Autumn - Health