The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Eating out provides a chance to celebrate or socialize, an opportunity to experience new cuisine, or just an excuse to avoid cooking. Whatever the reason, dining out is a national pastime. In fact, studies estimate that the typical Canadian eats away from home about five times a week, spending a third of their food budget in restaurants. When eating out, you have to make a few decisions. Where do you want to eat? What style of restaurant? What type of cuisine? How will the meal be prepared? As people adopt a healthier lifestyle, the answers to these questions become more important. Canadians want foods that are healthy as well as tasty. If you eat out only on special occasions, enjoy your meal and eat what you want. But, if you eat out often, it is important to choose wisely. So, how do we make the best choices when eating away from home? Cutting back on fat is where itÕs at Ð whether you eat at home or out. Order foods that are broiled or poached rather than fried or breaded. Cut back on the amount of butter or margarine used on bread. Try low-fat or no-fat salad dressings whenever you can. Sauces and gravies are high in fat; order them on the side and use as little as possible. Choose whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, beans and lentils more often. They are low in fat and high in fibre. Restaurant Dining Tips Plan ahead. If you are planning a late dinner, have a light snack like fresh fruit, raw vegetables or a yogurt in the afternoon. Choose the restaurant carefully. Avoid places that encourage eating to get your moneyÕs worth, such as Òall-you-can-eatÓ or Òtwo for the price of oneÓ restaurants.
