Four Tips to Eating Better

by Haleigh
(California)

1) Eat In

Cooking for yourself can make a huge difference. You have no idea how much butter or oil goes on to that restaurant food to make it taste so good (Nutrition facts can be startling!), but in a home you have full control over what does or does not make it on to your plate.

2) Cook Intelligently

Cooking at home wont make much of a difference if you're using just as much junk as the restaurant would have. Go easy on the butter, oil and salt. Add flavor with herbs and spices, which are delicious and good for you. Baking is better than frying, and keep the dairy to a minimum.

3) Order Wisely

If you do go out, and you probably will, learn how to order intelligently. There are certain words that you should just eliminate from your ordering vocabulary: extra, large, and side, for example, will never lead you to anything that will help you eat healthily. Other words to avoid are home-style, fried, cream sauce, and supreme. Also consider your portions. Order the lunch specials if you can, or even a kids meal if you're not too hungry.

4) Fall Gracefully

Just because you are about to succumb to your sweet tooth, doesn't mean you have to go overboard and buy the whole candy store. If you fall off the wagon, be gentle. Going out in a blaze of glory doesn't really work if you have to wake up the next morning and face your burns.