Eating healthy on the run

Some pearls of wisdom from the American Dietitic Association that may help those who would like to eat healthier on the run...

An increasing need for fast, easy and flavorful foods for those people are seeking out that which they can incorporate into their busy lifestyle. The question is: what does one sacrifice? Flavor, nutrients, or convenience?

Whether meals are eaten via fast food, take out, or sit down restaurant; eating outside the home has increasingly ingratiated itself as part of the "American lifestyle". Food is always on the go, in virtually every aspect of our lives. With this in mind, we can and should insist upon making healthy food choices as much as possible:

The option of fried foods should be reserved for occasions. As a rule of thumb, grilled, broiled, or steamed foods tend to be more nutritious.

Ordering the regular or child-sized portions as often as possible can eliminate many unwanted calories. Mega-sized servings are a trend of the west, and is probably more than one person will need. A good reminder is that your brain tells you that you are full, a full 20 minutes AFTER you are actually full.

Make milk or a low-fat shake your beverage for an extra calcium boost.

Side salad instead of fries aids in the consumption of greens instead of starches.

SHARE. Split your order. Share all those fries or that extra large sandwich with a friend.

More colors, more nutrients. Look to add more to all kinds of sandwiches by adding tomato, peppers and other vegetables.

With sandwiches, choose lean beef, ham, turkey, or chicken on whole-grain bread instead of a nutrient free white bread.

At the salad bar, pile on the dark leafy greens, carrots, peppers and other fresh vegetables and easy on that dressing!

Look to add a diverse variety of ethnic foods to your repertoire; many cuisines have fast food versions of their own nutrient rich dishes. Look to see where you may find your next French Vietnamese sandwhich, fish tacos, or shawerma kabobs, and if these are not part of your paradigm, experiment, you will never know what you are missing out on.

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician