July 31, 2011

ROAD TRIP! (the food edition)

Almost 2/3rds of North Carolinians surveyed eat at a fast food restaurant once a week or more. (State Center for Health Statistics, 2009 BRFSS)

So, whether planning a vacation or stay-cation, there's a good chance you'll order from a restaurant. Many restaurants now offer some healthier choices. But, eating healthy on the run can still be tricky...

Tips
- The ONLY real way to know is its nutrition information. Consider deciding where & what to eat ahead of time by using WebMD's Food-O-Meter or the restaurant's website. Some restaurants have the info on menu boards, brochures, or posters.

- Be aware of portion size. Many restaurants serve 2-4 times the recommended amount of food.

- Sweetened drinks (like sweet tea, soda, punch) can quickly pack on the calories. So can free items like rolls, breadsticks, & tortilla chips.

- Avoid foods described as crispy, breaded, fried, & creamy (like soups, dressings, sauces) when trying to eat healthy.

- Don't be afraid to ask about preparation or healthier substitutions.


For more info, check out:
- Healthy Dining Finder: www.healthydiningfinder.com/ (Their nutritional criteria is listed in the "About This Site" section.)

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