Out and About

I’m not an expert on dining out, but my wife and I probably dine out more than we dine in. This doesn’t mean that our refrigerator is empty; as a matter of fact, it is filled with everything you could possibly want when it comes to snacking, and I can put together one heck of a Dagwood Sandwich at a moment’s notice. It also contains the usual items you might find in any refrigerator, such as milk, juice, cold water, vegetables, and at least one or two items in the very back, that I’m afraid to check out.
I thought I might share with you some helpful hints that might come in handy the next time you ask the lady of the house what she is planning to make for dinner, and she replies, “Reservations at a nice restaurant”.
Maybe I’m crazy, but I don’t feel it’s a good idea to go out to eat on an empty stomach. The same can be said for shopping on an empty stomach. If you treat yourself to a light snack about an hour before you leave home, you’re less likely to overeat, which could run your tab up just a little. An apple or a few crackers will curb your appetite a little and satisfy those taste buds. As my mother used to say, “Don’t eat too much, or you’ll spoil your supper.”
When ordering out, do so in a health-conscious manner. Try not to indulge in foods described as au gratin, buttery, sauteed, fried, or creamed. Now I’m not trying to take the fun or adventure out of eating, but you might want to select dishes that are boiled, grilled, steamed, roasted, or poached. Your doctor will think better of you, and your digestive system will be proud of you.
If like us, you dine out frequently, make lunch, not dinner, your heartiest meal. During the day the prices are less expensive, and the portions are about the same size or just slightly smaller. Another time that your digestive system will be happy, because it will have less work to do in the evening, because you might have just a light snack.
There are a couple of restaurants in the Three Rivers area that serve heaping portions of food. Most of the time they will permit you to share your entree with your dining companion. You may only have to pay an extra-plate charge. A lot of restaurants have a fantastic appetizer selection. Why not order an appetizer, salad, and soup? If you’ve never done this, give it a try.
What do I do if I’m dieting? Good question with a good solution. Take control of your calories, even when dining out. Order meat, poultry, or fish that is grilled, broiled, or steamed and served without gravy or sauce. Also, ask for your salad dressing to be served on the side; request that your vegetables be steamed, then seasoned with lemon juice or herbs; and order a plain baked potato or rice. Here’s the most difficult part of the solution. Avoid all butter.
Now I’m going to go fix myself a peanut butter and onion sandwich. Try it sometime.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman