Healthy Eating Tips

  • As a beverage choice, ask for water or order low-fat milk or other drinks without added sugars.
  • Ask for whole-wheat bread for sandwiches.
  • In a restaurant, start your meal with a salad packed with veggies, to help control hunger and feel satisfied sooner.
  • Ask for salad dressing to be served on the side. Then you can control the portion.
  • Choose main dishes that include vegetables, such as stir fries, kabobs, or pasta with a tomato sauce.
  • Order steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead of those that are fried or sautéed. Avoid terms such as fried, sautéed, breaded, buttered, cream or cheese sauces when ordering off a menu.
  • Choose a small" or "medium" portion. This includes main dishes, side dishes, and beverages.
  • Order an item from the menu instead heading for the "all-you-can-eat" buffet.
  • If main portions at a restaurant are larger than you want, try one of these strategies to keep from overeating:
    1. Order an appetizer-sized portion or a side dish instead of an entrée.
    2. Share a main dish with a friend.
    3. If you can chill the extra food right away, take leftovers home in a "doggy bag."
    4. When your food is delivered, set aside or pack half of it to go immediately.
    5. Resign from the "clean your plate club" - when you've eaten enough, leave the rest.
  • To keep your meal moderate in calories, fat, and sugars:
    1. Ask for salad dressing to be served "on the side" so you can add only as much as you want.
    2. Order foods that do not have creamy sauces or gravies
    3. Add little or no butter to your food.
    4. Choose fruits for dessert most often.