Bread baskets, fried appetizers, and large portions are
just a few of the things that can scare the pants off of my
clients who are working hard to maintain a healthy diet.
Eating out can make you feel like you are walking into a
war zone. For many of you, that is exactly what you are
doing.
Walking into a room with the enemy.
The enemy is food.
However, it doesn't have to be.
You see, I know that the chefs (who cook with all the wrong
ingredients) want you to enjoy the dining experience at
their establishment.
After all, if you don't come, they won't make a living.
You are the customer and you are paying the bill.
So, what are the keys to getting your food prepared the way
you want?
KNOWLEDGE AND TIMING.
The knowledge is: knowing how you would like your meal
prepared.
The timing is: when to ask.
For example, if you only eat Kosher food, are vegetarian,
or follow other dietary restrictions, oftentimes food
substitutions can be made. Heck, if you inform airlines
ahead of time, you can even have your meal on the plane
prepared to meet your dietary requests.
BUT if you don't plan ahead and call first (there is that
timing thing again) you will either have no meal or you may
need to eat something that does not fit with your lifestyle
choice.
So let's say you are not that strict with your eating
choices. You may choose something like chicken with wild
rice and steamed veggies.
Great job, right?
You made good choices. Yes?
Sure, but do you know how they prepared your great choice?
You see, the chef and the restaurant are all about
everything tasting amazing. And that sometimes means
taking liberties with the ingredients they use and their
preparation.
Which often means: high fat, high sugar, high calories.
So here are some subtle changes you can make to your order
when you speak to the server to ensure you have a meal that
is 400-500 calories instead of 1400-1500 calories.
"Waiter, could you please ask the chef to go light on the
(cheese, oil, butter, cream, sauce) __________?"
Many times, you can eliminate these things all together.
Sandwiches- "Waitress, could you please exchange the cheese
and mayonnaise with spicy mustard and a tomato?"
Chicken- "Pardon me? Is the chicken white meat or dark
meat? I would prefer a white chicken breast please."
Baked Potato- "When you bring me my baked potato, can I
please get the condiments on the side?" (NOTE: Only eat
half the potato and use condiments to taste. Meaning,
don't drown your potato!)
Fish- "Sir, could I please have my fish (choose baked,
broiled, poached or grilled) ___________, rather than deep
fried? And, could you use olive oil and lemon or vinegar
for seasoning please?"
Salads- "Madam, I would like the vinaigrette dressing on
the side instead of the creamy Italian." Then dip your
fork in the dressing before you start getting into the
salad. You will be amazed how much less dressing you use
and how little you miss the soupy taste.
Eggs- If you absolutely despise egg whites try this- "Can I
have 3 eggs? 2 egg whites and one whole egg?" Similar
taste, but less fat and cholesterol.
Italian Sauce- "Can I please have the chicken with marinara
sauce rather than alfredo?"
Bread- "Please make my toast whole wheat with sugar-free
jam on the side."
Finally, if you know you are going to have a high calorie
choice and it is around dinner time- choose to divide your
meal in half before you even start. Have the rest boxed up
and take it home.
You will be amazed how satisfied you will feel. And I
don't know about you, but I love leftovers!
----------------------------------------------------
For over 17 years Bobby Kelly has taken his passion for
coaching to a level not reached by many in the fitness
profession. Bobby has been interviewed and featured as an
expert adviser on CNN, Fox News, ABC, NBC, and CBS as well
as local affiliate stations in numerous markets. Bobby
knows the success of hard work, determination and
persistence, and he'll get you where you want to be. Visit
Bobby today at http://www.resultsonly.com
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