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Going out to eat is fun and convenient. Better
yet, being served a tasty dinner in a good restaurant is a well-earned
reward after a long day or a tough work week. We tend to associate
good times with going out to eat, because food and celebrations
go hand in hand. The food, of course, is delicious, especially
in your favorite restaurant. Why else would it be your favorite?
However,
eating out can add more than pure delight to your life. It can
add inches to your waistline too. That wonderful tasting food
is often higher in salt, fat and sugar than the meals you would
prepare at home. If you are currently trying to lose weight,
limit your dining out experiences to very special occasions.
Restaurants
serve food they know will keep you coming back, not food designed
to help you watch your weight. Foods cooked in butter and fat
taste great, and the chef knows just how to please your palette
by using plenty of these ingredients. With a bit of imagination,
you can prepare meals at home that are worthy of a celebration.
You
can prepare simple, delicious meals that are low in fat and
beautiful to behold. Limit the meat in your meals to instantly
eliminate a lot of unnecessary fat in your diet. Cook lean fish
instead, such as salmon or tilapia.
Baking
allows the foods to retain all their own natural juices. Baking
fish and vegetables together creates a juicy and wonderful-tasting
mediterranean meal. Cut whole, organic tomatoes in half and
place them face down in the baking dish surrounding a fresh
piece of your favorite fish. Sprinkle with herbs and spices
such as basil, oregano, dill and top with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Use a modest amount of salt and black pepper to heighten the
effect of the spices. Add calamata olives and a generous spoonful
of capers.
Your
beautiful mediterranean meal has fewer calories because you
don't need any additional butter or fat. Dining at home can
be an incredibly tasty celebration of your favorite food, with
a low-fat twist. |
