Healthy eating on the run

By April Speck, Coordinator,

Clinton County Healthy Hometown Coalition

You probably eat out a lot—most Americans do. People are looking for fast, easy and good-tasting foods to fit a busy lifestyle. Whether it’s carry-out, food court, office cafeteria or sit-down restaurant, there are smart choices everywhere.

Here are a few tips to help you eat healthy when eating out.

1. Think ahead and plan where you will eat. Consider what meal options are available. Look for restaurants or carry-out with a wide range of menu items.

2. Take time to look over the menu and make careful selections. Some restaurant menus may have a special section for “healthier” choices.

3. Read restaurant menus carefully for clues to fat and calorie content. Menu terms that can mean less fat and calories: baked, braised, broiled, grilled, poached, roasted, and steamed.

4. Menu terms that can mean more fat and calories: batter-fried, pan-fried, buttered, creamed, crispy, and breaded. Choose these foods only occasionally and in small portions.

5. Order the regular or child-size portion. Mega-sized servings are probably more than you need. For a lighter meal, order an appetizer in place of a main course.

6. Hunger can drive you to eat too much bread before your meal arrives. Hold the bread or chips until your meal is served. Out of sight, out of mind.

7. For desk-top dining, keep single-serve packages of crackers, fruit, peanut butter, soup, or tuna in your desk for a quick lunch.

8. Boost the nutrition in all types of sandwiches by adding tomato, lettuce, peppers or other vegetables.

Upcoming Healthy

Hometown Coalition events

5K Run for the Roses, 1K Family Fun Run/Walk and Health Fair on Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. at Mountain View Park. Registration forms will be available soon.

Healthy Hometown is always seeking youth volunteers to go walk at AES, with elementary students between 7:20-7:45 a.m.

We are also seeking more youth volunteers to go to ECC every Tuesday during second period intervention to facilitate Take 10! Students who walk at AES or go to ECC will get volunteer hours to count on college applications.

Healthy Hometown Coalition will meet Wednesday, March 26th 1 p.m. at Clinton County Board of Education.

For more information contact Healthy Hometown Coordinator, April Speck by calling 606-387-2051, or by email at: april.speck@clinton.kyschools

Healthy Hometown is working toward a “healthy” Clinton County.