"ABC'S of Eating Out"

One of the hardest things when on a diet is eating out. Everywhere you go the menus are packed with meals that have alot of calories. Well, what do you do? Rather its a Mexican restaurant, or a local fast food chain, follow these steps to eating out but still eating right.

These are the ABC'S of Eating Out :

A - Acceptable Portions
Watch how much you eat, many places give over sized portion. Save some for a later lunch.

B - Beware of Beef
Many places have very cheap beef, trying to save money. Because it is cheap it is very bad for you, the safest thing to do is just stay away.

C- Continuously Ask Questions
Ask about the food you are eating, ask about calories, what's in the meal, and so on. Learn what you are eating before you eat it.

'S- Select Safe Salads and/or Sides
Salads are the safest bet when eating out at a restaurant, but the only thing to be careful about is what is one the salad. Watch out for toppings such as bacon, ham, etc. Be sure that they have a lite dressing before ordering as well. It makes no since that you would have a nice health chicken breast and have fatty french fries on the side. Make smart choices for your sides, a baked potato, cooked vegetables, or even a side salad would be good with any meal.

Remember that these are the ABC'S of Eating Out, use these tips to help you eat out, and stay on the path of weight loss.

Thank You

I had a very serious thing happen to me over the month of February, that's why I have not posted a blog for some time now.

This is what happened...

I experienced sharp pains in my chest and stomach area, after a week of visiting the ER and doctor's office they diagnosed me with gall stones. They got so pain full that I had to get my gallbladder taken out. I spent only a day in the hospital and was released to go home, I was told I should start to feel better in a couple of days and should be able to bowl the following weekend. But after a few days, the pain didn't go away, a fever developed, and stomach swelling as well. I went back to the ER, and they told me that I had bile running though me because of a cut bile duct that happened during surgery and excessive air in the stomach that they still can't explain. I could have died if my mom didn't push me into going to the ER because it could have gone in my blood. So they did emergency surgery and sewed up the cut and I was in the hospital for about a week tell I was released about a week ago. Now, I am doing much better still recovering from the surgery. Can't wait to get back to my normal life, one more week of school off to rest and about a month till I can bowl again.

I would like to thank the following for all they did for me during this time.

Beth and William for the visits and especially the great Peanut Butter Fudge

Aunt Jackie for the visits and the great advice (you do know what your talking about)

Sammie for the nice letters and the visits that cheered me up

My Bowling Team for the nice cards, bowling pin, and nice offers and get wells I have received

All the Nurses and Doctors that took care of me when I was in the hospital, they were all very nice to me while I stayed

My Great Grandma for the nice polo that made me feel better and the wishes to get well

Brady and Katie for the days they took off of school to help me and to spend time in the hospital, and when I am home to help me with what ever I need

My Grandpa because he did all the behind the sense work , taking people places and helping with dinners and such that made life easier for everyone

But especially I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart my grandma and my mom. They spent nights in the hospital with me, helped me with everything at every hour while I was in the hospital, took me to every doctor visit I needed to be at, had little sleep because they stayed up just in case something happened again, dealt with my attitude because of the tube that was in my nose, and watching TV during the day with me so I wasn't lonely. My mom also for helping me with everything when I got home, especially giving up her nice, comfortable bed for me and missing a whole week of work, just to take care of me.

I Love Everyone So Much

I would like to thank everyone for the prayers and best wishes.

From,

Andrew C. Long

BEFORE AND AFTER

BEFORE : 370 lbs.

AFTER : 152 lbs

Week Two : What Should You Eat : Breakfast!

This weeks blog is to tell you, good foods and drinks, that you can eat for breakfast. What foods you should try to avoid, and what is the recipe of the week.

The favorite breakfast food is cereal for most people, you can still have great cereal for lower calories, and greater taste. Some great brands that you should consider are : Kix, Special K, and Chex. If these cereals are not sweet enough for you, add artificial sugars to it (ex. Sweet&Low) for a sugar taste, while adding NO calories.

Think you can't have toast for breakfast, wrong. Light brands of bread are very good for you. (around 70 cal. for 2 slices) Try light muti-grain bread, it's one of my favorites, any day for breakfast. Add spray butter to your toast, found in any grocery store, its in a bottle and equals zero calories for any amount of sprays. * A tablespoon of peanut butter per two pieces of toast is not bad some days.*

Yogurt is a very healthy choice that you can eat as well, look at the calories though, some are healthier that others. There are many different favors of yogurt that you can enjoy daily. Fruit is another key item for the breakfast menu; Bananas, Apples, Oranges, etc. Try to at least have some fruit in your diet each day, not just / only for breakfast.

What to drink? Slim Milk is a very great drink that you can add to your cereal or just drink with your toast. Only 90 calories and helps build you strong bones and teeth. If you don't like slim milk, have a higher grade, but just consider it, when you eat during the day. A cup of orange juice, apple juice is also a good addition to your breakfast.

A breakfast protein bat, or other type of diet breakfast is okay, but remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

MY BREAKFAST : 1 1/4 cups of Kix, 2 Sweet&Lows, and 1/2 cup of slim milk. 2 pieces of light wheat toast with spray butter, and a cup (8 oz) of orange juice.

NEXT WEEK : What you should eat : Lunch

For any questions or comments about this article, suggestions for future articles, or want to tell me your weight loss story. Email me at newman121262@yahoo.com.

Remember : You can loss the weight

Week One : Making Up Your Mind

Do you feel that you need to lose weight, but every time you try, it ends up the same way : Doing good for a few weeks, then you dive right back into your old habits? Let's Change That!

The key to starting a diet is to make up your mind to do so. Create a reason for losing weight and making you healthier and happier. Rather for your kids, your body, or any other reason.

After making up your mind to go on a diet and finding a reason to do it. Dive right into the exercise and eating right. Reach for your goal and don't give up no matter what.

NEXT WEEK : WHAT YOU SHOULD EAT FOR BREAKFAST!

If you have any questions or comments about this article, suggestions for future articles, or want to tell me your story. Email me at newman121262@yahoo.com

Remember : YOU CAN DO IT !