Food is a huge part of Boston culture. If you look by the historic Fenway there are a slew of bars and restaurants that, if one does not make wise choices can result in fatty thighs and midsections. If you head downtown you can find a variety of restaurants that can ensure a hangover with a side of bloated belly. Just looming around the corner from downtown is any dieter’s nightmare: the North End.
We all know eating out can be detrimental to a person trying to lose weight. But is this always true? If you take two things into account you could bust this myth. One, don’t eat out often and two, be picky about what you order.
In light of restaurant week, I recommend this week be one of those rare weeks you take advantage of all the delicious food associated with Boston culture. Try something new but be smart. Here are a few guidelines and tips to follow:
Green Flag
(Potentially good for you)
Grilled
Broiled
Fresh
Baked
Steamed
Poached
Light
Marinated
Multi-grain
Whole wheat
High fiber
Red sauce
Reduced
Roasted
Stir-Fried
Vinaigrette
Gluten free
Red Flag
(Probably bad for you)
Au gratin
Basted
Battered
Béarnaise (or hollandaise)
Breaded
Buttery/Buttered
Casserole
Cheesy
Country-style
Covered
Creamed/cream
Crispy
Crunchy
Escalloped
Fried/Deep fried
Loaded
Smothered
Stewed
White Sauce
Stroganoff
Stuffed
Bottomless
A few healthier choices in Boston resturants are:
· Mare in the North End - Italian oyster bar.
· Douze in Back Bay - Serves sushi.
· Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge - All vegetarian
· Naked Pizza in Back Bay - Yummy healthier pizza
· Brown Sugar Café in Alson /Brighton - Thai food
· Heimand in Cambridge - Afghan cuisine
Now that you have information that will help make the right food choices you can enjoy restaurant week. Enticing descriptions of tasty dishes can make it hard to resist those calorie packed, high sugar, and “I’m loaded with fat” dishes. So go out to a restaurant and make wise choices and enjoy your meal without regret. After all it is a cultural experience.