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How to Approach Fast Food Wisely
An Excerpt from Healthy Lunchbox: The Working Mom's Guide to Keeping You and Your Kids Trim (LifeLine Press, 2003)
By Rallie McAllister
Take Charge of Your Plate
Even when you're dining at restaurants that don't offer super-size versions of their normal fare, you can bet that a "single" serving still provides enough calories for at least two meals. The average restaurant meal contains around 1,500 calories, even minus the bread and dessert. It's a good rule of thumb to leave at least a third of the meal on your plate – some for Mr. Manners and the rest for Mrs. Health. Or you can eat half of your meal while you're at the restaurant and save the other half for the next day's lunch.
It's always a good idea to opt for smaller portions than the ones provided, and you can be fairly certain that you won't run the risk of starving. Some restaurants are happy to oblige your request for half orders. If they aren't, you can try ordering a child's plate of the same meal. If that doesn't work, you and your dinner date can always share an entree. If you feel that you must indulge in a food that is high in fat and calories, don't make matters worse by committing the twin sins of eating the wrong kind of food and eating too much of it. As you lose weight and gain health, you'll be pleased to find that savoring just a few bites of a tasty treat is often just as satisfying as a half-pound serving. It's definitely less guilt provoking.