American families now spend as much as 40 to 50 percent of their food budget on meals away from home. And the obesity rate among kids and teens has skyrocketed right alongside rates of eating out.
A difference of 50 to 150 calories a day is all it takes for children to gain weight. That means meals outside the home can easily be reflected in youngsters' waistlines.
To keep your family eating healthy at almost any establishment, follow these tips:
--Skip all you can eat buffets. Everyone is more likely to overeat there.
--Choose eateries with calorie counts on the menu, or scope out nutrition information online before you go. One study showed parents with this information ordered 100 fewer calories of fast food for their children.
--When you're dining together, lead by example. Order a salad before your meal. Choose grilled rather than fried foods.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, December 2013
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