Choose a healthy salad and save calories.
The word "salad" can be deceiving. Many people believe that ordering a salad is the healthiest option when eating out. However, some salads have over 1,000 calories, according to Health and Beauty. You can find a burger at a fast-food chain with fewer calories. It's up to you to take control of what you order when eating out. Choose a healthy salad by avoiding disguised calories and fattening additions. A should contain fresh lettuce, grilled or broiled meats and little dressing.
Instructions
1. Pay attention to descriptions. When you sit down and the waiter brings the menu, it's time to start working. Read through the salad offerings and their descriptions. Help Guide suggests paying attention to descriptions such as deep-fried, batter-dipped, breaded and pan-fried. These foods tend to be high in fat and calories. Other salad menu descriptions to avoid are creamy, crispy and au-gratin. Cream sauces contain high amounts of fats and sodium.
2. Undress your salad. When you choose the salad you want, undress it. Salad dressings are often high in fat and calories. Additional spreads like sour cream, mayonnaise and specialty dressings will add extra calories. Ask the waiter to remove unhealthy additions like croutons, and cheddar cheese, according to Healthmad. One ounce of bacon bits may add an estimated 133 calories to a salad. A March 2010 article on ABC News called, "Are restaurant salads always the best choice?" cites a popular U.S. restaurant that features an Asian sesame salad. Removing half of the sweet and sour dressing from this salad saves 50 calories and 4 grams of fat.
3. Order a small portion. The American Cancer Society advises cutting the portion size of menu items when eating out. Ask the waiter to put half the salad in a take-home box before you're served. This automatically cuts the number of calories you will consume during your meal. You can also split the salad with someone in your party. After you have taken the precautions to remove all high calorie additions, you can cut the calorie intake by 50 percent by sharing.
4. Have it your way. Use the menu as a guide for choices available. However, remember you have the privilege to adjust the salad the way you like. You may have to pay more for extra lettuce, but your health will benefit. You may also make healthy substitutes for salad ingredients. For example, ask for olive oil and vinegar instead of salad dressing. You may also decide to have chicken grilled or broiled instead of fried.
5. Ask for nutritional information. Not all restaurants provide this information on their menu. Don't be afraid to ask the waiter or manager what the calorie or fat content is for the salad you're considering. This information will help you make a healthy choice. Also, don't be afraid to ask about any vegetable additions or preferred cooking for meats. You're the customer and a successful restaurant will be happy to please you.
Tags: healthy salad, when eating, attention descriptions, bacon bits, Choose healthy