May Health Challenge: Go Out To Eat! Outside, That is...

When people come to me for nutrition advice I'm often asked how to order healthy at restaurants because they eat out a lot. I'm all for giving out ways to eat healthier while living in a realistic world (sometimes that involves having to eat out). However, now that the weather is warming up and fresh new produce is hitting grocery store shelves, why not take the family out for a healthy picnic instead of hitting up the Carl's Junior drive-thru?

This May I'm challenging you to take control of your food choices (and get away from eating in front of the TV) with a simple menu, a cooler, and a big blanket. Here's just a sample of what you could pack along:

• Sparkling mineral water with a wedge of orange.

• A rainbow of fresh veggies with hummus dip.

• Turkey breast roll-ups: Turkey slices rolled up with cucumber, sundried tomato and goat cheese inside (delicious and not messy).

• Fresh berries, dark chocolate chips, and slivered almonds.

Don't want to pack up and drive to the park? Hit up your back yard! Fire up the grill and eat your dinner outside while you watch the sunset. If you don't feel like doing much work, hit up the healthy aisles of your nearest grocery store and pick up a variety of yummy healthy stuff. Still too cold outside for you? Make an indoor picnic in the living room (betcha never thought of that). Seek out exotic (but healthy) recipes your family wouldn't normally try. Do the shopping together beforehand so everyone plays a part.

Bottom line: Think outside the restaurant and find ways to make a meal special that allows you to control what you're eating and create an environment that takes the focus OFF of food and onto the surroundings and a great experience. If you continue to do the same thing (eat out often) and expect different results (a slimmer belly), you'll miss out on the opportunity to do some long-term good for your body and mind!