When you're headed out for a night on the town, your mind is focused on having fun. Then your full of regret for pigging out after numerous cocktails. Instead of staying at home for fear of feeling guilty use some guidelines presented by the Tulsa Health Department. Eat your calories. Don't drink them. "If choosing to have an alcoholic beverage with meals limit to one for women or 1-2 for men," Becky Porter, MS, RD/LD said. "Alcohol also adds calories to your meal and can increase your appetite." She also suggests looking at the menu online ahead of time so you will be prepared for ordering. "Many restaurants and fast food places have nutritional information available or online. The information can help you make educated decisions," she said. If you know you'll be at a social event make sure not to go hungry. "Choose to eat lower-calorie, but filling food choices earlier in that day," Porter said. "This way you have reserved some of your day’s calorie intake for the special occasion." While at a restaurant order foods that baked, grilled, broiled, grilled, steamed, braised or roasted. Also, choose sides with less calories. Salads and soups can be deceiving. Dressings can pack on hundreds of calories so Porter suggests asking for dressing on the side and choosing broth based soups.
For more information on guidelines to eating out and on the Tulsa Health Department visit
www.tulsa-health.org.
