Eating Out

While the best way to ensure you are eating clean and healthy meals is to cook for yourself, sometimes it just isn’t an option. According to the USDA, 47.9% of all 2010 food dollars in the U.S. were spent on “away-from-home” foods.

Follow these tips to help you stick to your calorie budget when eating out:

• Review the menu online before you go and chose a healthy option.
• Ask the waiter to identify the healthiest menu items.
• Ask the waiter to remove the bread or chips from the table.
• Drink lots of water while you wait for your entree.
• Ask questions about how your meal is prepared, and don’t be afraid to make specific requests.
• Share a meal with your dining companion.
• Put half of your meal in a “to-go” box before you begin eating.

Wonderful Water

Water is the number one component in your body, and your body requires water to function properly. Water reduces fatigue, fights illness and headaches, carries nutrients through your body, reduces acne, and much more. Water can also act as an appetite suppressant. If you are trying to lose weight, drink 12-20 ounces of water before each meal. You will feel fuller and eat less. 

If water isn't your beverage of choice, spice it up with one or more of the following natural flavors. 

• Cinnamon sticks and apple slices
• Limes and/or strawberries
• Mint leaves, fresh grated ginger, lemon and cucumber 

Aim for 64 ounces of water per day for better health.