Heading to the mall for some holiday shopping? Is your grumbling tummy pulling you towards the food court?
Here are some tips to help you make healthy choices when your schedule is busy (and the smell of fries is filling the halls).
Your best option is to eat at home before you go and avoid the food court all together. But if you have a full day planned at the mall, try these tips for eating at the food court:
- Walk around and scope out your options before you buy: Be sure to do a quick tour of the food choices. Is there a healthier choice down the hall?
- Choose wisely: Avoid the deep fried foods and be sure to include vegetables on your plate, like salads or veggie toppings on your sandwich/pizza.
- Size matters: Yes, we are invited to supersize lunch. But don’t give in to the marketing! Opt for smaller portions sizes and share with your shopping buddies.
- Say no to soda (and fancy coffees): Choose water, diet pop or coffee or tea with 1 per cent milk instead of regular pop or fancy coffee drinks.
- Take advantage of the take-out containers: Don’t feel the need to eat it all at once – save some for your lunch tomorrow!
- Pack a portable snack: Put a fruit, granola bar or cheese string in your purse or pocket so that you can reenergize quickly (and only make one trip to the food court).
- And to finish? If you really need dessert, choose a fruit-flavoured frozen yogurt or sorbet and avoid the huge bag of sugary or salty popcorn, ice cream or chocolate shops.
It is possible to make healthy choices when out and about. What snacks pack a punch for you?
Stopping for a sit-down lunch or dinner? Follow our tips for Dining Out.
