Developing a proper diet

[dulvan]

I am not the healthiest person, by far, but I am interested in becoming more health-conscious. I have always wanted to be a vegetarian (Just a personal preference), but I don't that is going to happen-anytime soon at least.

Anyways, I am looking into developing a proper diet, one in which I can eat healthy and still get satisfied. Lately, I have found myself on the road near dinner time and often my parents stop somewhere to grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, home is still several miles away and I'm starving, so I reluctantly give in. This brings me to my first question:

How can I eat healthy at fast food restaurants?

Often I find myself hungry mid-day and I desire a snack; however, my pantry is full of sugary, fat-filled foods. Usually, I end up grabbing a bad of chips or cookies; not my best choices. Sometimes, I will avoid snacking entirely and just stay hungry until dinner time rolls around. Ultimately, I find snacking a lose-lose situation; either I give in, or I stay hungry. My second question:

How can I snack and be health conscious at the same time?

One more final point. My parents don't really like to cook (probably the biggest reason they like to eat out so frequently). I don't mind cooking-actually, I find it enjoyable, rather. Regardless, I am going to start cooking my own meals that are much healthier than the foods offered at various fast-food franchises. I am a bit picky with what I like, but I am willing to try new things. Unfortunately, my pantry is void of many cooking ingredients, so simple recipes are my best option. Now my third question:

How can I cook my own healthy, yet simple meals?

Any insight on this issue is well accepted. This thread isn't just about me and my dietary ideals, but is a way to offer insight towards dieting in a world that prefers fats over fruits.

[madbrony]

"How can I eat healthy at fast food restaurants?"

You cant eat Healthy at fast food restaurants at all, try to eat well when your at home before you went anywhere or take food with you. Fast Food will never be healthy food. If you really cant evoide eating fast food then just eat a bit and dont eat till you got no appetite anymore.

"How can I snack and be health conscious at the same time?"

Try new things and take FRESH ingredients! If you are hungry and dont want to cook anything try to eat thinks like nuts, drupes or rice cakes.

"How can I cook my own healthy, yet simple meals?"

Because im german i dont really understand what you want to know with this question hehe .

[DarthAvarous]

"How can I eat healthy at fast food restaurants?"

I am assuming you mean McDonald's, Wendy's, etc. You can't. Not really. If you are forced into a situation like this stick to salads or other green options.

"How can I snack and be health conscious at the same time?"

This has been key for me. I like to read and have a snack before I go to bed. I used to eat a bag of Doritos or have some Ben & Jerrys (Or both). I have replaced those and their ilk with things like air-popped popcorn, an apple, hummus with crackers or sliced vegetables.

"How can I cook my own healthy, yet simple meals?"

Practice, and get educated about health. Take a look at our recipe section. I am planning on adding 3 per week, and will keep them varied. And feel free to ask me anything! I like sharing knowledge.

[skwiziks]

How can I eat healthy at fast food restaurants?

If you order a meatless, cheese-less salad with no dressing, I think you'll be alright. Oh also no soda.

How can I snack and be health conscious at the same time?

Fruit. Apples, oranges, bananas, and etc aren't a bad way to go. Vegetables are better like carrots, broccoli (steamed in ten minutes or less), and other finger food style veggies.

If you aren't completely opposed to meat the protein and fat is very useful if it comes from a quality source. Two strips of bacon cooked over medium-low heat ain't bad.

How can I cook my own healthy, yet simple meals?

Hmmm, think of a metaphorical dinner plate. Half of that plate should be filled with green, leafy vegetables. A quarter of that plate should be protein of some kind. Another quarter should be whole grains.

So if you were to cook brown rice, some non-fried tofu, prepare a spinach salad with little to no dressing, and eat it with a glass of water or two; that would work to your benefit.

[nydearb]

"How can I eat healthy at a fast food restaurant?"

First of all, try not to eat at a fast food restaurant. But, sometimes it is the only thing available. In this case, drink 2 cups of water before you order anything. Remember, hunger is commonly mistaken for thirst, and you'll be less hungry after the water. When you order, get a salad, no pop or fries. Also, be careful about the dressing that you choose, as some can have over 150 calories per pack, which is really high for dressing. I usually choose the light versions and then only put half the package in. If you are eating at a restaurant, try ordering something that is either boiled or grilled since that uses less oil.

"How can I snack and be health conscious at the same time?"

Snacking is healthy, and is recommended to do so throughout the day as it increases your metabolism. I recommend fruits, lots of them. I eat about 5-6 fruits a day, they are delicious and healthy so why not? Nuts, especially almonds, are also really good snacks that you can eat throughout the day. They are high in fats, but not the kind of fat that makes your belly hang out, those are saturated fats. The fats found in almonds, and avocados, are good fats that your body need. So don't fear fats, just remember to avoid saturated fats in all of your meals. Also, don't starve yourself, it sucks for you and your body, so don't do it, instead, eat a healthy snack like the two I listed above. Starving actually makes your body loose muscle mass, so you end up looking terrible.

"How can I cook my own healthy, yet simple meals?"

I'm not much of a cook, as I actually prefer my food bland with little or no added flavors in my food, so I can't teach you how to make tasty meals. But I can tell you that you should put lots of vegetables in your food. Vegetables are very healthy and help you loose weight, so eat as much as you can. Choose lean meats, like chicken breast, over fat meats. And try to eat as little carbs as possible during dinner, as those carbs turn into fat over night since they are not burned. Replace those carbs with protein or fiber. As mentioned before, try to boil or grill your food instead of frying it.

Hope this helped.

[inkwell]

I'm a vegetarian yet I can't really cook, I mostly make lentil soups/stews for myself, if I use about half a cup of dry lentils it makes enough soup/stew that I won't need to add any carbohydrates to the meal to feel full. Tofu is really good because it's so versatile; you can crumble it and make "scrambled tofu" instead of scrambled eggs for breakfast, for instance. One idea might be to find out what spices there are in the foods you like, since that can help you when picking out recipes and such (also, lots of spices can mask an unpleasant flavour or turn boring food into something delicious).

[skai]

Nov 4, 2012 14:37:08 GMT -5 dulvan said:

How can I eat healthy at fast food restaurants?

The only healthy fast-food restaurant I can think of is Subway. Other than that fast-food and healthy do not mix at all. And eating Subway doesn't automatically mean you're eating healthy. It depends heavily on what you order. I go to Subway very often (3-5 times a week), and their foods are really fresh and healthy.

What to order:
The main thing I order there is the chicken sandwiches. The main one is Oven Roasted Chicken, which is two simple cooked sauceless grilled chicken breasts on a footlong. Get it on either whole wheat or 9-grain Honey Oat bread (honey-oat is healthier) and with any cheese you like. Once it's done, get lots of vegetables, with the main one being spinach.

What to go for:
-Lots of spinach
-Onions
-Jalapenos
-Black Olives
-Cucumbers
-Tomatoes
-Spicy brown mustard

What to limit on:
-Mayo
-cold cuts

What to avoid:
-any sauce
-cold cut salty meats (salami, pepperoni, etc)
-bacon
-melts
-meatballs
-Italian/white bread
-Flatbread
-any "light" sauce. Light sauce may have fewer calories than their normal counterpart, but are a lot less nutritious due to lots of cuts having to be made to make it "light".

My usual sandwich that I get there is:
Oven roasted chicken footlong on 9-grain honey oat with pepperjack cheese. Toasted with extra spinach, some lettuce, onions, black olives, jalapenos, a little bit of mayo, and extra oregano. It has 54 grams of protein, as well as healthy grains, carbs, and lots of vegetables.

How can I snack and be health conscious at the same time?

Choose healthy and delicious snacks! These include wheat thins, whole wheat light butter popcorn, fruits (Apples and Bananas are my favorite ones), yogurt, vegetables (such as baby carrots, sliced broccoli, and/or sliced celery) with a dipping sauce (I find ranch suitable for all 3 that I listed), and white/blue corn chips.

To limit yourself, when you do go grab something like a bag of corn chips, grab a handful, and put it on a napkin/plate, and put the bag back in the storage. Once you're done, that's it. Don't attempt to go get more, and try to limit yourself to one serving. Always stick to doing things one step at a time, and that'll eventually turn into self-discipline. If it's serving things such as the microwavable popcorn or yogurt, just eat only one package. If it's vegetables, eat all you want!

How can I cook my own healthy, yet simple meals?

Cereal in the morning (or through the day) is a very healthy and delicious meal (depending on what cereal, that is).

I also posted great breakfasts you can start to cook (I'm at a very beginner level, so I can relate!) for yourself for breakfast in the recipes subforum.

The thread can be seen here

Answers to questions under each one!