healthy laps

Healthy Lap of the Week – Be Smart while Eating Out

Eating out is a huge social event in America.  Many times, when you get together with friends or family it involves some type of food.  It can be difficult to eat at restaurants, or even at someone else’s house, when you are trying to eat healthy or loose a few pounds, but there are always healthy meals to be found!  Here are my 5 tips for eating out:

1. Look over the menu to see your options.  You want to look for meals that are baked, steamed, grilled or poached.  Try to stay away from anything pan-fried or sauteed, as that usually means that they are using lots of extra oils.  If there is nothing on the menu that jumps out at you, just ask your server.
2. Skip the bread basket.  It is very tempting when a basket of warm, freshly baked bread gets put right in front of you.  Ask the server to take it away, or ask your friends to keep it away from you!  A few pieces or bread with butter really adds up.
3. Ask your server if you can substitute extra veggies or salad instead of au-gratin potatoes, mashed potatoes or french fries.  Normally they will be happy to do so.
4. Ask for any dressings on the side!  This includes salad dressings and gravies.
5. Stick to a normal portion!  Most restuarant meals are 2, 3 or even 4 servings!  Split up your meal, and take home your leftovers for another meal.

Now, I do not eat out a lot, but when I do I try to stick to healthier options.  However, there are sometimes when I just want to eat food that is bad for me!  This is ok every once in awhile.  If you deprive yourself too much, you’ll just end up craving it more later on.  Normally, if I order an unhealthy dinner, I don’t take the extras for leftovers!!  If I do overindulge at dinner, I just get back on track the next day with my healthy eating – no big deal!

Fitness Lap of the Week – Workout with Friends!

I watched a Lifetime move last night (I love them! :)) and it was about 3 friends who made a pact to workout together.  They all wanted to lose weight and shape up, but they did not think that they could do it alone.  They were each responsible for weekly weigh-ins and to document their food for the day.  They were each others support system.

If you do not think that you can get in shape by yourself, then ask your friends to do it with you!  You are much more likely to get a workout in and eat healthy if you are meeting someone for a run or walk, or if you are accountable for what you eat.  Instead of meeting a friend for dinner, meet them for a walk to chat!  You will find that after your workout you want to eat healthy and you’ll both feel better about yourself!

Filed under: Laps of the Week, Uncategorized | Tagged: tip of the week |