Dining Out the Healthy Way - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Dining Out the Healthy Way

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc,com

When you go out to eat, it can be hard to know if there are healthy options, but our New Year, New You Winner Tammy Brown has figures it out. The Thin and Healthy Total Solution's Program at Fitness Xpress offers a take out menu with a list of restaurants, and gives you a taste of what to choose as a meal when dining out.

"A lot of people treat going out almost like the Black Plague," Tammy says she was surprise to find out what she couldn't order when heading out to her favorite restaurants.

"I've made the mistake of going out and eating something, and coming back to look at the calorie information, and that's when it really opened my eyes about knowing what you're doing before you go."

Thin and Healthy's Manager Tonya Todd says it's never too late to ask for modifications, and make your plate a little healthier, "You have to be careful, like you think you're going to order a chicken dish, they put sauces and cheeses and that type of thing, so just have awareness."

She says staying between 500 to 600 calories is a safe bet, and if you average 20 to 30 grams of fat per day, you can have a little more freedom when ordering off the menu, "We want you to be able to still enjoy your life and go out to eat, and do things you normally do. It's just about finding that balance."

Tammy says not only is Thin and Healthy's menu a good idea, but she also recommends adding an app to your smart phone, which looks up the restaurant's menu and shows you the amount of calories and fat in each dish.

And Tammy has reached a milestone in her journey to be fit and healthy.

She's lost 40 pounds and nearly 60 inches.

When Tammy started the program in January, she weighed 206 lbs, but when she weighed in on Thanksgiving, her she weighed 166 lbs.

Congratulations, Tammy, you are an inspiration to all of us.