/ 202 NUTRITION / eating and living well
By Alisha Chasey, MS, RD, CNS
Whether it’ s a staycation, vacation, business trip or you’ re just on-the-go, dining out is usually the most convenient and the most tempting choice when it comes to veering off track from healthy-lifestyle eating. With a few easy tweaks to your menu perusing, you can creatively make choices to keep you feeling and being your best.
1Spruce up the drinks! Water and teas provide better hydration, especially during the summer months, and can be transformed into freshness with lemon, lime, orange or even cucumber slices. Sweeten coffee and teas with stevia or a few drops of honey.
2Think twice on the appetizers. Skip the deep fried and rich, creamy dip choices, devoid of nutrition. Lettuce wraps or other veggie plates make great starters. Or, request a fresh veggie plate alongside hummus or other dips, instead of or to supplement chips, pitas and other fluffy calories.
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Build your own entrée. Survey the menu for available items and request your own custom-designed salads, stir-frys, entrées and sides. Besides, most chefs love the unique challenge; and it often comes out just a little fresher and better!
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Add veggies! Whether it’ s a pizza, sandwich or pasta dish, add some fresh veggies to get a nutrient and flavor boost. Steamed veggies make a great replacement for pasta, veggie pizzas are terrific( and beautiful), and wraps( either from leafy greens, a tortilla, or even“ naked”) can help reduce the‘ fluff’.
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202 MAGAZINE \ JULY 2013 \ 202magazine. com