The Pub Grub Guide- Tips for St. Patrick’s Day Eating/Drinking
From Weight Watchers, but can be applied across the board.
1. Don’t drink on an empty stomach
“Alcohol enhances appetite and it also lowers inhibition,” says Stokes. So if you intend to eat a meal, it’s best to order it right away before the cocktails lower your defenses.
2. Do your homework
If the bar offers its menu online, take a look at it and decide what to order before you get there. That way you won’t rushed into making a bad decision.
3. Fill up on fiber
When you choose dishes based on starchy foods, such as bread, pasta and potatoes, go for whole-grain options where possible, for extra fiber.
4. Cut down on salty foods
Avoid salty snacks such as chips and nuts, and heavily salted foods such as bacon, cheese and pickles. And to try not to add extra salt.
5. Make meals low in fat
If you’re having a baked potato, ask for a low-fat spread instead of butter or, if you are having pasta, choose a dish with a sauce made from tomatoes or vegetables instead of cheese or cream. Steer clear of bacon, sausages, battered or deep-fried foods and creamy desserts.
6. Choose a dish with plenty of vegetables
A portion is roughly three heaped tablespoons of vegetables. Salads and vegetarian dishes are good options. If a dish comes with fries and vegetables, hold the fries and ask for extra vegetables.
7. Go for grilled, boiled, poached, steamed or stir-fried dishes
These involve less fat in the cooking. If you can’t tell from the menu how a dish is cooked, ask your server.
8. Opt for fruit
If you want a dessert, choose a fruit salad or apple crumble.
9. Look for pubs that prepare food on premises
That’s where it will be more practical for you to request healthier options.
10. Factor in your drinks
There is nothing wrong with having drinks with your meal—you are in a bar, after all. But alcohol is high in calories, so be sure to keep track. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
I’m doing Health Month this week. An awesome site where you can create rules that you want to follow (like don’t eat meat or Walk to Work three times a week)
These are my rules.
- The 5 day workout thing is a must with the training for the half on April 3rd. (Crap)
- The soda is just necessary because it’s gross. I was drinking diet pepsi once a day last month and I always got headaches. NO MORE.
- The alcohol, NEEDED. Although honestly I’m having a margarita on Valentine’s Day because it’s just a tradition.
- And the dairy is to just calm my body down because it apparently hates it (which makes me want to cry) because I absolutely love cheese.
I know you’re supposed to add in POSITIVE things too, like get more sleep or talk to your friends, but we’re just putting these guidelines in place as it’s my first month. Held accountable. Ah February.
Yea I know Paragon, but we can’t run and climb over 6 foot mountains of snow. kthx
it’s friggin cold out. but i went running. 2 miles, nothing big, getting back into the swing of things.
the devil
i met him tonight. and his name is greg. and he teaches at my gym a class called Cut Up! What is Cut Up you ask?
From the brochure:
A high intensity body conditioning and sculpting class. It incorporates free weights, total body movements and cardiovascular training that is sure to burn calories, define muscles and keep you motivated.
What it should have read: Greg making me things my body has never done.
I may not be able to walk tomorrow, but what a hell of a workout. Woo. Good start to a monday.
And we’re back
After about a year of running off and on, completing a Ragnar Relay and not getting into the 2010 half, I thought I’d bring this blog back. I figured before I start the overload of posts I’d give anyone a heads up that doesn’t want to follow it anymore a chance out.
I’m back. This time I’m going to focus a lot on my runs, publishing them and syncing them up with my Nike + when I feel like taking it along (I’ve actually found out that I run better without it!) I also want to publish some food shots because my food choices definitely have an impact on my runs and my speed and I want to watch it.
Anyway, love the motivation and here’s to 1)getting in the lottery January 20th and 2)running the Half Marathon in March 2011!
K
