Worried about how you are going to stay on track during the festive season? Canderel Nutritionist, Angela Dowden shares her secrets for staying healthy over the Christmas period, avoiding over indulgence and making sensible choices when dining out.
Christmas on Female First
‘’We all like to eat out, but restaurant meals aren’t always known for their health or waistline friendly credentials’’ says Angela, ‘’However with just a little planning you can enjoy your restaurant experiences this Christmas AND stay trim and healthy’’.
1) Budget around 600 calories for the meal itself and allow 200 calories for drinks (that’s a couple of small glasses of white wine)
2) Always be the first to order! It’s less tempting to sway your decision if you order ahead of the others.
3) Say no to the bread basket! You can nibble on olives instead
4) Ask for dressing to be served on the side
5) If choices are calorie laden, opt for two starters instead of a starter and a main
6) Don’t be afraid to ask the waiter how foods are cooked. That innocent grilled fish might be swimming in butter, so do ask.
7) Going for an Italian? Opt for a vegetable or seafood based pizza and stay clear of cream based pasta sauces.
8) Going for a Chinese? Slimline choices include crab and sweetcorn soup, steamed dumplings and prawns with ginger and spring onion.
9) Going for an Indian? The best dishes to have are the ones that are dry and don’t have a sauce. Pick a Tikka tandoori or a tomato-based curry such as a Balti
10) Going to the pub? Healthy choices include plain or peppered steak, grilled fish and skinless chicken. Avoid shaking salt over your food as it’s linked with high blood pressure and water retention.
According to Angela, ‘‘the easiest way to cut down on calories is to swap sugar for Canderel Zero in your hot drinks. It’s the perfect way to end a meal no matter what the cuisine.’’
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