With end-of-summer sales at fever pitch and harried back-to-school shoppers scrambling for last-minute deals, you may find your frazzled self wondering, “How can I enjoy a quick lunch without ruining my diet?”
Convenience often rules the day when time is short and your children all clamor for something different – and that means you wind up in a mall food court.
Food courts are known for their high-fat, high-calorie temptations... “delicacies” like savory cinnamon buns, extra thick milkshakes and piled-high French fries. But with a few nuggets of sage advice you can make smarter choices and avoid food traps, while sticking with your Diet.com program.
Order up! Here are some tips to make your food court visit another positive step in your healthy lifestyle journey:
1. Order it your way. Yes, your order may take a bit longer when you make special requests at the counter, but isn’t your health worth it? Our favorite requests are: “Hold the mayo... No cheese, please… Sauce on the side... Extra lettuce, tomatoes and pickles... Fruit instead of fries… Make my chicken sandwich gilled instead of fried… Water instead of pop!” Use them often to ensure your meal will be more healthful.
2. Find fiber. Finding fiber-rich foods may not be easy at a food court but it is possible. Look for whole fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges – or consider a fruit salad. Or how about a salad filled with fresh veggies and topped with some grilled chicken? Dishes with beans (chili, bean soup, hummus or a bean burrito) are also fiber rich. Yes, you still need to be portion-savvy but when you’re packing in the fiber, you’ll usually be more aware of feeling full sooner than later – and maybe less likely to overeat.
(Tip continues below)
3. Go international. Food court selections are a good reminder that the typical American fare is much heavier on the protein main course and lighter on the veggies. In contrast, other international-focused menu options often offer more vegetable-based meals with the protein source as a condiment – not as the main event. For Japanese options, check out edamame, sushi or maki rolls or a broth-based soup. Considering other Asian cuisine? Try a veggie-packed stir fry with chicken or tofu or order fish or seafood (nonfried, of course). Look for lentil or other bean dishes or salad with yogurt at the Indian counter. For a popular Middle Eastern selection, try hummus and pita or chicken shish kebab. Good Mexican options include bean dishes, gazpacho, other vegetarian selections or entrée salads.
4. Don’t leave home without it! No, we’re not talking about your American Express. One of the best on-the-go healthy eating strategies occurs before you leave your home. Toss some GoLean or Clif bars in your purse for a quick meal that can be rounded out with some water and a piece of fruit. Your children can still enjoy the food court but your healthy lunch meal will already be decided. You’ll have more time to relax, eat slowly and enjoy – and you’ll have more shopping money in your pocket!
Before your next mall outing, remember these 4 ways to keep order in the food court! |
