Can You Eat Away From Home and Still Stay Healthy? Here Are Five Ways to Make the Right Choices

When you eat at home all the time its easier to maintain a healthy eating plan; you can choose to shop only for the foods you know are good, so there is only healthy food in the cupboard. But many of us have to travel for work or eat out frequently at functions. If you have ever had a week that included lots of dining out, you have probably noticed how your energy starts to drop after a few days from the lack of fresh food.

Although its good to lash out and enjoy whatever is on the menu from time to time, if you eat that way all the time you'll soon see your health declining. So lets look at some strategies to keep up healthy eating when you are away from your own kitchen.

Out for lunch at a café with friends? Choose the salad option as your main meal, remembering to include a protein food like chicken or fish. Most cafes make fresh juices too (and you won't have to clean up that messy juice machine!) Avoid the fried food completely. By the way, lunch at a sushi bar can be a really healthy choice when you choose the traditional fish and rice varieties.

Eating out for breakfast:

To keep your energy levels high all day, choose a protein and vegetable based breakfast from the menu, not the bacon and sausages. Eggs are great; order yours as poached. Request 'no toast thanks', and if you want coffee, order the standard size. Coffee itself isn't a bad thing in moderation; people have been drinking it for centuries. But the mega sized cups that are availa

le can be a trap.

Many functions and celebrations like weddings have a set menu. But you can still make some healthy choices. Ignore the bread basket. If there is a buffet, load your plate up with salad and steamed veg, and avoid the rich sauces. Resolve to enjoy just one glass of alcohol, then switch to non alcoholic drinks like mineral water. If the meal turns out to be really rich, resolve to focus on simple fresh foods only for the next 24 hours.

Going to a barbeque with friends? Avoid the bread rolls and the sausages. Enjoy the freshly cooked steak or fish, and load up your plate with leafy salads. If the dessert looks really fabulous, have some; just make it a small portion!

Eating well while travelling has got a lot easier since juice bars started appearing in airports. They will make you a juice from fresh fruit and vegetables on the spot, and often have fresh fruit available as well.

Enjoy the challenge of eating out and staying healthy!

Olwen solves health riddles. She helps people discover the core issues behind their symptoms and fix them....naturally. Visit her web site for free health information, subscribe to her monthly Health e-News for up to date natural health information; and read more articles that can help you take control of your health. Visit http://www.olwenanderson.com.au