News :
How to take your diet on vacation
SEATTLE TIMES, June 30 2005 -- Here
are tips from LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge
for staying on the diet wagon while vacationing:
1. Plan ahead. Check dining options on the road and at
your destination. Skip hot dogs and pizza and look for fruit, soup and
sandwiches. Enjoy local fresh specialties, farm stands.
2. Understand the Menu. Watch out for high-fat warnings,
such as fried, buttery, au gratin, etouffe, sauteed, rich, creamy, and
breaded. Ask about sauces, toppings, methods of preparation. Always
choose grilled. Beware of the breadbasket.
3. Think outside the box. Many fast food places have added
healthy options and even offer fruit as a side dish.
4. Watch portion sizes. Split entrees. Restaurant servings
are typically far larger than recommended portion sizes.
5. Be salad savvy. Some have more calories than a cheeseburger.
Steer clear of cobb salads, Mediterranean salads and taco salads, or
at least ask the waiter to hold the cheese, refried beans and other
high-calorie items. Get dressing on the side and ask for light vinaigrette.
6. Consider a condo or unit with kitchenette where you
can store healthy snacks. Or bring a cooler for bottled water and low-fat
dairy products.
7. Watch the alcohol. Choose light beer or wine rather
than hard liquor and sweetened drinks.
8. Be aware of your emotional response. If you eat more
than you plan, seeing it as a catastrophe will only set you up for failure.
Get back on track at your next meal, and try for extra activity.
9. Plan pleasures other than food or drink — including
physical activity. Park farther away, and walk when sightseeing.
10. Hold a family meeting ahead of time and discuss
ways you can help each other eat less and stay active.
(source :
www.seattletimes.nwsource.com)
