I’m not one to complain much about the heat. I’m a summer girl through and through and will take 100 degrees and humidity over a frigid barren winter day any time. And besides, it’s nothing a little river or lake time, a pool day, or even a spray of the water hose can’t fix.
But y’all, it is hot as Hades out there. Our local bodies of water feel like a hot bath and even my trusty water hose is unrefreshingly tepid. The air’s so thick you can cut it with a knife and the ground is dry as a bone. Our grass is burnt slap up and I’m watering almost every day just to keep my flower beds and potted plants alive much less thriving.
Our dogs, Gus and Gracie, are bored to death and lazier than ever. The cats, however, are quite content. For them, the hotter the better. They take after their momma.
During these Southern summer heat waves there is nothing more miserable than being stuck in a hot kitchen, over a hot stove, putting a hot meal on the table. And when it’s 95 degrees at 7 in the evening, taking everything out to the grill is just as sweat-inducing. Regardless of how committed I am to healthy home-cooking, sometimes it’s nice to take a break, get all dolled up, and go out for dinner. Somewhere well air conditioned, at a dim candlelit table far, far away from the hot kitchen. To let someone else take over the creative culinary process and, more importantly, let someone else clean it all up. Even Susie Homemaker deserves a break every now and then, right?
Unfortunately, going out for dinner can be hard on the ol’ waistline. You never really know exactly what and how much is in any given dish, and then there’s the whole will power issue. We just have so many tasty temptations here in the South, from fried green tomatoes with comeback sauce for dipping; to shrimp and grits with ham, cream, and ooey gooey melted sharp cheddar cheese; or bread pudding laced with candied pecans and swimming in bourbon caramel sauce, all washed down with a few glasses of sugary sweet iced tea. Even the often-thought-of “safe” choices can be unknowing calorie and fat bombs — an entrée salad with a week’s worth of saturated fat and a lifetime of cellulite, no thanks.
Order wisely
Thankfully, many of our locally-owned restaurants are recognizing diners’ pleas for more light yet still delicious and satisfying menu choices, and are at the very least more than happy to cater to skinny eaters. Most requests such as dressing on the side, grilled not fried, or steamed-no butter are easily accommodated to customize your dinner.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when dining out:
First of all, check out the restaurant’s menu ahead of time either online or from a carry-out menu. Knowing exactly what you’re going to order (including all special requests) before you arrive assures that you’ll not be tempted by calorie-laden specials or make hasty decisions. Write it down if you need help remembering. And most importantly, make sure you’re choosing a good source of protein for your entrée to keep you full and satisfied. Grilled or blackened chicken breast, a small sirloin steak or beef tenderloin kabob, grilled or barbecued shrimp, or any species of grilled or blackened fish are all healthy flavorful selections.
Watch out for all the extras. Making a good call on your entrée is only part of the battle. We all know that dining out at any restaurant comes with lots of extras — the complimentary bread basket or chips and salsa; the side salad loaded with cheese, bacon, croutons, and swimming in dressing; or the extra dollop of this or that on your side dishes not included in the menu description.
One or the other of the “extras” is fine for most of us every once in a while, but greedily indulging in it all can add up fast. Limit yourself to one piece of bread with your dinner (not while you’re waiting), enjoy one indulgence on your salad with light dressing on the side, and make sure the sides with your entrée are dry. For example, have your veggies steamed instead of sautéed in oil and order your baked potato without butter and sour cream. Too dry and tasteless? Order a side of your favorite light dressing for dipping or drizzling.
Lastly, making healthy choices while dining out takes practice. The more you do it the better you’ll become. Learn from the “Oh, I wish I had asked for that instead of this” and just do better next time. Instead of dining out being all about the food, shift your focus to enjoying time with the person next to you.
Leah Sullivan of Columbus has been on a productive journey to a healthier lifestyle and shares some of her experiences with Dispatch readers. Follow {Nourish} on Facebook.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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