In the United States, Americans eat out over 40 percent of the time, typically consuming large portion sizes and calorie dense foods.
In 2010, annual food expenditures on dining out including restaurant dining, catered foods, and food eaten during time spent out-of-town increased from 26 percent in 1970 to 42 percent in 2010.
Eating out also generally increases calorie consumption by 30 to 40 percent compared to eating at home. An increase in carbohydrate intake is primarily the culprit for this calorie surge while eating out. Restaurants usually serve huge portions of starches, refined grains and sugars, which are less expensive and easy for restaurants to provide.
However, GreenLite Medicine, the Bay Area?s authority on weight loss, offers a few proven strategies to help customers of restaurants and take-out joints eat healthily.
?Remember, you are the customer,? said Dr. Sooji Rugh, of GreenLite. ?Ask for what you want, and restaurants will typically honor your requests. Ask how dishes are prepared or ask about substitutions. For example, substitute steamed vegetables for fries.?
Portion sizes should be limited as soon as the meal is received. The food one intends to eat should be set aside and an extra plate or box requested for the remainder.
Dr. Rugh also encourages patrons to make a meal from small appetizers if no healthy entr?e options are available.
GreenLite Medicine also tells their clients to pass on the bread. Temptation might be best avoided by requesting that it not even be brought to the table.
Clients are encouraged to look for lower calorie, low-fat cooking methods include steamed, broiled, baked, and roasted. Fried, stir-fried, saut?ed, crispy foods, and all cream sauces should be avoided. All visible fat should be trimmed off of meats, and all gravy, butter, dressings and sauces need to be left off of the food.
When dining out with a friend or beau, sharing can be fun, healthy and help curb portion sizes. ?Share anything,? said Dr. Rugh, ?including a small dessert!?
For more information about any of GreenLite Medicine?s programs and healthy lifestyle tips, call 866-661-5673, view the company on the web at http://www.greenlitemedicine.com, or visit one of its three locations at 3129 Fillmore St. in San Francisco; 4030 Moorpark Ave., Suite 119, in San Jose; or 465 Fairchild Drive, Suite 112, in Mountain View.
About GreenLite Medicine
GreenLite Medicine is a San Francisco weight loss diet and weight management program that provides personalized care and attention to ensure that clients not only reach their goals but also maintain healthy lifestyle changes. Call 866-661-5673 or visit one of its three locations for more information.
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