March is only a few days away and that means it will soon be National Nutrition Month. As busy as we all are sometimes, let’s try to make it a priority to eat healthier this spring! Here are some quick and easy ideas to still eat healthy while on the go or at a restaurant:
· Think ahead and plan where you will eat. Consider what meal options are available. Many restaurants often have nutrition facts on their menus and online, check them out!
· Think about your food choices for the entire day. If you’re planning a special restaurant meal in the evening, have a lighter breakfast and lunch.
· If you are really hungry when arriving to the restaurant, this can cause you to overeat too much bread or chips prior to your meal arriving. Hold the bread or chips until your meal is served. You will be more focused on your meal itself than the bread at that point.
· Eat your lower-calorie food first (soup or salad) and follow up with a light main course.
· Ask for sauces, dressings and toppings to be served “on the side.” Then you control how much you eat.
· If you know you won’t be able to sit and eat a meal at mealtimes when you are on the go, pack yourself some easy, nonperishable foods in your bag or purse for an on-the-run meal. Some suggestions could be a piece of fresh fruit, peanut butter and crackers or a peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread, granola bars, trail mix or a handful of nuts. It’s always better to eat something than skip a meal and eat more later.
If you are interested in learning more about nutrition counseling sessions with a registered dietitian at Noble Hospital, please call 413-568-2811 ex: 5671 for more information.
