"Have It Your Way ..."

... and I’m not talking Burger King! (“Have it your way” was a very successful marketing campaign in the 70’s for Burger King). I understand it’s challenging to eat well and stay on track with so many wonderful choices each and every place we go.

This idea came to me as I was waiting in line at Starbucks. I was about the 8th person in line, so I had the opportunity to listen to what customers were ordering and how they ordered it. “I’ll take a Tall Vanilla Latte with Whole Milk filled to the top and extra whip.” My mind starting thinking about all of the options available to us and the many opportunities we have to make great choices over mediocre ones each and every time we choose to eat out. Why not make the best choices for our bodies? It’s our responsibility to take care of ourselves, and if more and more establishments are allowing us to tell them what we want—we should indeed Have IT Our Way.

Try these calorie saving, sugar cutting strategies the next time you’re ordering out or dining in at home.

Tips for "Having IT Your Way"

• Know What’s in your Foods: Many eating establishments have nutritional information available either at the counter or on-line. Knowledge is power. Know more…eat better! 

• Learn to Read Nutrition Labels: Always look at total calories, serving size, total fat and sugar grams. An easy way to figure out sugar grams quickly is to divide the total sugar grams by 4. If your favorite snack bar has 18 grams of sugar that is equal to approximately 4 teaspoons of sugar. If it’s two serving sizes, double it for 8 teaspoons. The FDA recommends no more than 10 teaspoons daily. Aim for items that have 5 grams or less total. 

• Create YOUR “Five Alive” list: Choose five of your favorite daily ‘good for you’ items. For example, apples, pudding, FiberOne bars, nuts, yogurt--know exactly what’s in them. Make these your “go to” items. It takes the guess work out of it. It’s a sure fire way to stay on track. It simply makes it easier. Be accountable for what you’re putting into your body. 

• Cut and paste the following link into your browser to learn the number one secret to ordering your next meal: http://thepumpblog.com/2011/03/23/1-thing-to-avoid-while-dining-out/ 

For the Health of It,
Vanessa
Gethealthywithvanessa.com

Vanessa is a Nutritionist and Personal Trainer offering services in health, wellness and personal training, including the TRX system. Visit the website: www.gethealthywithvanessa.com