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Eating
Tips For Vacation
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| Kristen
Arthurs, CTG Staff Writer |
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| So
you've had the big trip planned. You've agonized over every
little detail of every single moment of the vacation. Weeks,
even months have been spent counting every calorie, every fat
gram, just so you can look good in your swim suit. But, just
because you've worked to take off a few extra pounds, doesn't
mean that you have to eat unsensibly while on your vacation.
Eating out doesn't have to mean over eating. Here are a few
tips on how to eat but not overdo. |
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| First
of all, don't go to a restaurant for a meal when you're starving.
If you've been sight seeing or walking around all day, of course
you're going to be hungry by the time dinner rolls around. Try
to eat something during the day such as an apple or some crackers.
This will reduce the likely hood of stuffing yourself. Also,
while waiting for your dinner, drink a large glass of water.
This tends to be filling, especially since often times, being
thristy is mistook for hunger. |
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| Be
aware of what type of restaurant you will be dining at. Know
what kind of food they serve and if they are willing to "cater"
to your special needs. Are their meats fatty? What kind of preperation
is used? What are the portion sized? Try to find out this information
ahead of time. |
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| When
ordering, choose low-fat proteins. The leanest cuts of beef
include sirloin, tenderloin, Delmonico, filet steak, Filet Mignon
(without the bacon), Kabob and London broil. If you have a taste
for chicken, white mean is leaner than the dark, but remember,
none of the skin is good for the diet. Be wary of cheesy dishes,
as cheese is a very high source of fat. |
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| Ask
what kind of cooking techniques are available. Request low-fat
cooking techniques. Avoid foods that are described as: |
| • |
buttery |
• |
au
gratin |
• |
in
butter sauce |
| • |
parmesan |
• |
sauteed |
• |
in
cheese sauce |
| • |
fried |
• |
scalloped |
• |
pan-fried |
| • |
marinated
in oil |
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crispy |
• |
stewed |
| • |
braised |
• |
basted |
• |
creamed |
| • |
casserole |
• |
prime |
• |
in
cream sauce |
| • |
hash |
• |
hollandaise |
• |
in
its own gravy |
| • |
pot
pie |
|
|
• |
|
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| Instead,
reqeust low-fat cooking techniques such as: |
| • |
steamed |
• |
roated |
| • |
broiled |
• |
poached |
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| However,
even these foods may still have had oils or butter added during
the cooking process. |
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| If
it is available, order lunch portions at dinner. These portions
are often smaller and less expensive. If the restaurant you
are at does not offer this option, don't feel bad about spliting
an order with a travel companion and asking for an extra plate.
Or, ask for a doggie bag after you've eaten enough. or even
requesting a doggie bag after you've eaten enough. |
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| Don't
forget that sauces and toppings can add up in calories and fat
grams. Order these sauces on the side. These can range from: |
| • |
salad
dressing |
• |
meat
sauces |
• |
potato
toppings |
| • |
cream
sauces |
• |
butter |
• |
|
|
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| Always
ask when in doubt. It never hurts to ask if something can be
prepared or served a certain way. (Is that prepared without
butter? May I have the sauce on the side? Is it possible to
just order the sandwich without the fries?) |
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| Of course,
you are on vacation. You should have the right to indulge yourself
with the triple chocolate moose pie, right? That's fine. It's
just important to cut back where you can, where it doesn't really
matter, and save those extra calories for something you really
want. |
