| Bread baskets, fried appetizers, and large | | | | |
| portions are just a few of the things that | | | | Which often means: high fat, high sugar, high |
| can scare the pants off of my clients who are | | | | calories. |
| working hard to maintain a healthy diet. | | | | |
| Eating out can make you feel like you are | | | | So here are some subtle changes you can make |
| walking into a war zone. For many of you, | | | | to your order when you speak to the server to |
| that is exactly what you are doing. | | | | ensure you have a meal that is 400-500 |
| | | | calories instead of 1400-1500 calories. |
| Walking into a room with the enemy. | | | | |
| | | | "Waiter, could you please ask the chef to go |
| The enemy is food. | | | | light on the (cheese, oil, butter, cream, |
| | | | sauce) __________?" |
| However, it doesn't have to be. | | | | |
| | | | Many times, you can eliminate these things |
| You see, I know that the chefs (who cook with | | | | all together. |
| all the wrong ingredients) want you to enjoy | | | | |
| the dining experience at their establishment. | | | | Sandwiches- "Waitress, could you please |
| | | | exchange the cheese and mayonnaise with spicy |
| After all, if you don't come, they won't make | | | | mustard and a tomato?" |
| a living. | | | | |
| | | | Chicken- "Pardon me? Is the chicken white |
| You are the customer and you are paying the | | | | meat or dark meat? I would prefer a white |
| bill. | | | | chicken breast please." |
| | | | |
| So, what are the keys to getting your food | | | | Baked Potato- "When you bring me my baked |
| prepared the way you want? | | | | potato, can I please get the condiments on |
| | | | the side?" (NOTE: Only eat half the potato |
| KNOWLEDGE AND TIMING. | | | | and use condiments to taste. Meaning, don't |
| | | | drown your potato!) |
| The knowledge is: knowing how you would like | | | | |
| your meal prepared. | | | | Fish- "Sir, could I please have my fish |
| | | | (choose baked, broiled, poached or grilled) |
| The timing is: when to ask. | | | | ___________, rather than deep fried? And, |
| | | | could you use olive oil and lemon or vinegar |
| For example, if you only eat Kosher food, are | | | | for seasoning please?" |
| vegetarian, or follow other dietary | | | | |
| restrictions, oftentimes food substitutions | | | | Salads- "Madam, I would like the vinaigrette |
| can be made. Heck, if you inform airlines | | | | dressing on the side instead of the creamy |
| ahead of time, you can even have your meal on | | | | Italian." Then dip your fork in the dressing |
| the plane prepared to meet your dietary | | | | before you start getting into the salad. You |
| requests. | | | | will be amazed how much less dressing you use |
| | | | and how little you miss the soupy taste. |
| BUT if you don't plan ahead and call first | | | | |
| (there is that timing thing again) you will | | | | Eggs- If you absolutely despise egg whites |
| either have no meal or you may need to eat | | | | try this- "Can I have 3 eggs? 2 egg whites |
| something that does not fit with your | | | | and one whole egg?" Similar taste, but less |
| lifestyle choice. | | | | fat and cholesterol. |
| | | | |
| So let's say you are not that strict with | | | | Italian Sauce- "Can I please have the chicken |
| your eating choices. You may choose | | | | with marinara sauce rather than alfredo?" |
| something like chicken with wild rice and | | | | |
| steamed veggies. | | | | Bread- "Please make my toast whole wheat with |
| | | | sugar-free jam on the side." |
| Great job, right? | | | | |
| | | | Finally, if you know you are going to have a |
| You made good choices. Yes? | | | | high calorie choice and it is around dinner |
| | | | time- choose to divide your meal in half |
| Sure, but do you know how they prepared your | | | | before you even start. Have the rest boxed |
| great choice? | | | | up and take it home. |
| | | | |
| You see, the chef and the restaurant are all | | | | You will be amazed how satisfied you will |
| about everything tasting amazing. And that | | | | feel. And I don't know about you, but I love |
| sometimes means taking liberties with the | | | | leftovers! |
| ingredients they use and their preparation. | | | | |