10 Tips for Healthy Eating On-the-Go

Trying to be healthy isn’t easy, but add to that the rigors of a restaurant menu and it can be downright daunting.

Hy-Vee Dietitian Kristin Sousek has 10 tips for eating healthy when you’re dining out.

1. If possible, choose a restaurant that you know has healthy options. Bonus if they have nutritional information available. Choose meals lower in sodium, saturated fat and calories.
2. For an extra 8 grams of protein, swap your black coffee for a latte with low-fat or non-fat milk.
3. Look for items that are grilled, broiled or baked when browsing the menu for lean proteins. Remember: Just 3 ounces of steak packs 23g of protein.
4. Add a lean protein to your entrée salad, whether it’s for lunch or dinner.
5. Choose water or unsweetened tea instead of soda or other drinks high in sugar.
6. Choose side dishes or appetizers, which are usually served in smaller amounts.
7. Ask for a side salad with low-fat dressing to replace fries.
8. Skip the creamy sauces and heavy gravies and choose items with vegetables.
9. When you know portions will be big, share a meal or ask for a to-go box and put a portion of the meal to the side right away.
10. For a great protein boost, try an on-the-go fruit, nut and cheese bento box. Hy-Vee’s version is the Four Square meal, which has a variety of variations that include nuts, cheese, cut deli meat and hard-boiled egg.