The Restaurant Wrestle

Does eating out often leave you feeling guilty due to the types of foods you consume at the restaurant?  Do you dread when your hubby or friend suggests dinner at your favorite local joint?  You are not alone!  When I first began my journey towards a better lifestyle, I had the same anxieties! However, if you calm down and think things through in a logical way, you can make better choices simply by weeding through what`s on the menu and the ingredient list of each dish.  Most restaurants nowadays offer lower-fat and lower-cal options, but what if you aren`t in the mood for salmon and broccoli or soup and salad?  Try asking for these alternatives or healthier takes on your favorites...

Habachi:  Choose steamed rice or brown rice & veggies over shrimp fried rice. (Go ahead and gobble up that miso soup!)

Chicken sandwiches or burgers: Instead of the fried chicken sandwich, opt for the grilled chicken one!  If you must have fries, get the smallest size.  (Stay away from the milkshakes, please.)

Subs: Get the sandwich you want!  Just leave make sure it`s on whole wheat bread and leave off the mayo or oil and do not order extra meat and cheese!...no one needs that, okay?  

Seafood: Get the fish or seafood you want!  Just avoid any buttery dipping sauces and make sure that you order it grilled or steamed.  Limit your hush-puppy intake to 2. 

BBQ: Order extra lean brisket or smoked poultry.  If you must have that calorie-packed BBQ sauce (I HAVE to have it!), then order it on the side rather than all over the meat.  Skip the mayo-based slaw and potato salad and order a side salad instead!

Mexican: Tacos are the best!  Ask for extra lettuce and tomatoes and for the cheese to be on the side, so you can add it in moderation.  If you need extra "sauce", add salsa to everything, instead of sour cream or queso dip.  (No chimichangas or taco salads, por favor.)

Italian:  Skip the garlic bread and order whole wheat pasta always!  When you can, stick to tomato-based sauces rather than cream sauces (such as alfredo). Stay away from those dishes which pack on the cheese, like lasagna and chicken parm.  

*Sources: My own restaurant-battle.