Super-Size Me!

Americans are fatter than ever before. Too many of our meals are eaten in fast food and convenience restaurants, on the go, and on the run. Businesses downsize, the government downsizes, yet the food industry continues to “upsize” our food portions. Our bodies adjust to eating those larger potions by storing the extra calories as fat. “Right-sizing” your portions is one way to start decreasing your waistline. Here are some other good suggestions:

• Switch from fast food to food brought from home when lunching at work
• Plan ahead and dine at restaurants that you know offer healthy options, such as grilled, baked and steamed foods
• Order an appetizer as an entrée, or ask if they’ll charge you less for a half order. Round out your meal with a salad and vegetables
• Share your meal or take half of your meal home with you, and savor the leftovers at another time
• If no other choice is available, and you find yourself at the drive-thru window, order a kiddie meal. The portions are smaller and the burgers usually do not have high calorie sauces
• Most fast-food restaurants now offer salads, which can be a better choice than the standard high-fat menu options. But, be sure to request low-fat dressing, have cheese or meat (not both), and skip the croutons.
• Avoid fried foods
• Because most fast foods fall short on vitamins and minerals, make sure to add fruits, vegetables and dairy foods to another meal or snack somewhere else during your day