Eating Out Can Still be Healthy.

As Boot Camp instructors, we are here to tell you that it is not impossible to eat out when you are working out and living healthy.

Here are some general tips:

Order your meal to come out divided up in half. Have them put the second half in a to-go box. Then there is no worry that you will eat too much, and you have a meal for later. Great tip!  

Mexican (May we suggest Del Rio Restaurant in Dacula?)

• Eat plain chicken fajitas. In the fajitas you can add the  meat, rice, salsa, peppers, onions, and lettuce. Pull off any skin remaining on the chicken before constructing your fajitas. Don't eat too much.
• Instead of chips, ask for flour tortillas to dip in the salsa.
• Instead of beef or chicken, substitute black or pinto beans for a very lean protein.
• Order a salad and a side of black beans; add the beans to the salad and use the guacamole and salsa as dressing.
• Ask for sides of rice, beans and chicken and combine for your dinner.
• Lay off the chips. And remember - no margaritas!

Sushi Bar (Our fav? Green Tea.  Auburn Rd. Dacula) 

• Almost any nigiri is fine. Most rolls are fine. The fat in avocado is good for you.
• Stay away from fried rolls, or rolls with fried ingredients, or rolls with cream cheese.
• Hold the mayo.
• Don't go nuts with the quantity and you will do fine with sushi.
• Salad with a reasonable amount of ginger dressing is okay too. 

Chinese (We'd love to know your favorite place!)

• Order wonton soup or a broth-based soup as a starter.  This will stop you from eating too much of the main meal.
• Order one dish and split it with a friend.
• Stick to lean meats - chicken, lean pork or shrimp.
• Ask for brown rice instead of white rice if it is available.
• Drink water - MSG has a tendency to dehydrate you even more so than sodium. Water intake will also stop you from overeating as well. 
• Use chopsticks; it makes you eat slower!

  Italian (Mirko Pasta, Dacula)

• Order whole wheat pasta if it is available.
• Stick to pastas with red sauces instead of cream sauces.
• Skip the bread and order a mixed green salad with oil and vinegar or a broth-based soup as a starter.
• Order a side of meatballs as your main course and go easy on the cheese. Then split a pasta dish with a friend or get a side order of pasta. Italian restaurants always give you so much pasta!
• Avoid items stuffed with cheese like manicotti, lasagna and stuffed shells.
• Think about choosing a shellfish or seafood dish like linguini with white clam sauce (made only with garlic, white wine and extra virgin olive oil!).

Sports Bar (Tell us the best sports bar for football in the fall!)

• Order a grilled chicken sandwich instead of a burger.
• Skip the fries and order a pasta or side salad.
• Stay away from the nachos and order the hummus.
• Skip the wings and order the mini slider burgers.
• Eat a salad before you eat anything else; it will fill you up.
• Have a bowl of chili instead of the chili cheese fries.
• Stay away from the beer!
• Avoid anything smothered in processed cheese.

Faster Food... Chick-fil-A has some great options if you must have fast food and there's one right here in Dacula!  Don't forget, they're closed on Sunday.

Here are some favorites:

• TRIM TRIO-
  Chick-fil-A's Trim Trio meal features the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich, Fresh Fruit Cup side and a bottle of Dasani water. The meal has a combined total of 330 calories, less than four fat grams and zero grams of trans fat.
• Pair a salad or Cool Wrap with one of three low- or reduced-fat dressings. The salads offer at least three servings of vegetables.
• Choose from these lower-fat dressing choices: Fat-Free Honey Mustard; Light Italian; Reduced-Fat Raspberry Vinaigrette

http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Nutrition.asp

Eating out can be healthy and delicious!   OBC Gwinnett~Hamilton Mill likes Season's 52 for a special evening out with health conscious friends or family.