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Eating Out with Kids


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Eating Out with Kids

Hi. My name is Laurie Taylor. My husband Max and I have four children all under the age of twelve. One of the things we enjoy doing as a family is having a night out eating at a restaurant. You are probably thinking, "They enjoy eating at restaurants with four young children?" Yes, it can prove to be a challenge at times, but for the most part we have found ways to keep the children happy, and we all have a great time. There have been many times when other patrons have come up to us and comment on how well behaved our children are. I would like to share some of the ways we make eating out as a family an enjoyable experience for all. From toddler to Daddy, everyone has a lovely evening.

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Ordering Takeout? Choose These Healthy Options

Face it--sometimes you just don't feel like cooking. If you're trying to eat healthy foods, fast food is a definite no-no as it's laden with sodium, preservatives, fat, and enough calories for the whole day. Figuring out where to order takeout from and what your healthy options are isn't easy either. Here are three suggestions that, regardless of your location, are likely to be on a menu near you.

If You're Ordering Italian Food…

Pizza doesn't have to be fattening. In fact, traditional pizzas are quite healthy. Choose a thin crust when you have the choice as this will help cut down on the calories. Many pizzerias offer other sauces, such as pesto or Alfredo, but stick to a traditional tomato sauce. Not only is it lower in calories, it's made from just heart-healthy tomatoes full of lycopene, garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of olive oil and sea salt. For the toppings, skip loading it up with meats and opt for fresh veggies instead. Fresh tomatoes, green and black olives, spinach, peppers, and mushrooms are all great choices. Many take-out pizzerias even offer less traditional vegetables like broccoli and grilled zucchini nowadays. Skip the double cheese and go light instead. It's amazing how much more you can taste the veggies when you don't drown them in cheese.

Italian restaurants also typically have at least a few fabulous salads to choose from as well. Crisp romaine or spinach with nuts and fruits aren't uncommon. Choose a traditional vinaigrette rather than a creamy dressing. You can also usually have the option to add a grilled chicken breast as well for some lean protein. If you're in the mood for pasta, angel hair tossed with diced Roma tomatoes, black olives, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil is a good bet.

If You're Ordering Chinese Food…

While you may think most Chinese food is healthy, think again. Their penchant for sauces can add the calories up fast. They also deep-fry a lot of things on the menu. Skip the deep-fried egg rolls and crab Rangoon and get sweet and sour soup instead for an appetizer. For your main course, pass on the rice, which is high in carbohydrates, and choose a dish like chicken and broccoli in a ginger sauce or shrimp with lobster sauce. Both of these dishes have a simple broth for the sauce. 

If You're Ordering Mexican Food…

Americanized Mexican food, with the shredded cheese and sour cream, isn't as healthy as authentic Mexican cuisine. A good option is a simple taco with fresh cilantro or chicken fajitas with peppers and onions. Skip the refried beans and rice and opt for a side of guacamole instead.