/ 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 .
3
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 !
4
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