My mom sent me another great article from Hungry Girl lately. It’s a list of healthy-choice lunch options from fast food restaurants (and Olive Garden). I work in a mall and often eat lunch in the food court, which often makes it difficult to eat healthy-or so I thought! Trying to eat healthy also makes going out to lunch or dinner with friends less enjoyable, so this guide is great for anyone planning lots of get-togethers with friends who are back home on winter break! Read the whole article here.
Oh, and here’s the Hungry Girl Cheat Sheet!
If you’re watching your fat and calorie intake but don’t have the time or luxury to be choosy about location, here are a few Qs to keep in mind…
* Does the place offer any broth-based soups? Starting your meal with one often means you’ll consume fewer calories.
* If you choose a sandwich, what kind of bread does it come on? Skip cheese-encrusted loafs (sorry, Panera!) and opt for high-fiber whole-wheat, instead. Better yet, have it open-faced and ditch the top piece of bread.
* If you choose a salad, is there protein in it? If not, see if you can have some added on. Chicken or shrimp will up your overall satisfaction, so you won’t be tempted to snack mindlessly later on.
* What is the best dressing option for your salad? And do you really need ALL of it? Request it on the side and then dip, don’t pour.
* Is there mayo on that? Sandwiches always fall prey to this one, and it’s not always listed in the menu description. Go for mustard instead.
* Are chips or fries the only side option? If not, go for a side salad, fruit salad, steamed veggies, or a piece of fruit. All better choices and filling.