Salidify That Sandwich

It's been a while since I gave a restaurant-survival tip, so I thought it was about time I gave a simple one. In the past, I've suggested that a salad of sorts (with a plain, vinaigrette dressing) is generally a safe bet, but some restaurants don't have the most exciting salads. Recently, while traveling, I found myself in a cafe with an incredible sandwich menu and a meager salad selection, so I figured, what's to stop me asking for a sandwich-turned salad. Yes, I'm suggesting you order a sandwich as a salad. Restaurants will often have no problem placing the insides of a sammy over a bed of lettuce for you (they may charge you a few bucks extra). I did it for the first time in Ithaca with a grilled veggie and hummus salad which was fantastic as a salad and then a second time at a dosa and sandwich restaurant in Soho. The photo is from the dosa restaurant (which I'll admit, I had a bite of the dosa which was yummy too), but my mozzarella/avocado/cucumber sammy-turned salad was delish!You could easily do this with any sandwich-including a burger (veggie burger, tuna burger, hamburger, etc). Pin It

Sink-O Your Teeth into These Recipes

Tomorrow marks a holiday that is traditionally associated with heaping piles of nachos, oozing cheese sauce, and enough frozen margaritas to give you a week-long brain freeze--yep, I'm talking about Cinco De Mayo. Over the course of the year (can you believe Big Eyes Tiny Tummy is over a year old?!) I've given you countless recipes suitable for this festive dia, and to save you the trouble of looking back, here are some of my favorite Mexican-inspired recipes to help you celebrate and a guide in case you're taking the fiesta out of su casa.

Turkey Tacos
DIY Tortilla Chips
Tiny Tummy's Nacho Extravaganza
Shrimp Tacos
Ground Chicken Tacos
DIY Taco Shells

Mexican Restaurant Quick Tips


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Beat the Brunch Bonanza

Brunch in NYC is a big deal, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. Brunch is all about the eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles, and lots of other not so waist-friendly options... and that's before we approach the booze. While it's easiest to say ditch brunch altogether, I know that it's a social event for some, so here are my top three tips to beat the brunch-belly.

1. Skip the booze: Sorry, day-drinking is a big zero when it comes to your health and is bound to leave you sluggish for the rest of the day-- even if the food coma doesn't. Besides, sipping a cold glass of water or unsweetened iced tea is a much better way to wake up and smell the Spring air.

2. For brunch, opt for lunch: I understand that the idea of brunch is breakfast all day, but the breakfast options are often not the healthiest. Chances are, you can find a salad that is not terrible in the calorie/fat department-- just get your dressing on the side, as usual.

3. Walk it off after: If you're brunching outdoors, why not suggest a walk afterwards? I always enjoy walking after a large meal-- it helps you digest and a little extra activity never hurt anyone, right? If you're going for an indulgent meal, there's no reason you can't add a little extra exercise in after that. Pin It

The Raw Truth

When it comes to ordering a healthy dish when eating out, it can be a bit of a tossup, and while you can ask for your food one way with the best of intentions, it can come totally wrong. So then how do you avoid an buttery mess when you ask for your fish prepared high and dry? Or how can you insure that the chef doesn't put oil on the grill before grilling your chicken? Simple answer: you can't. So how do you avoid something like this? Another simple answer: order raw.

I'm not talking about only dining at restaurants that adhere to the new raw-vegan diet trend... what I mean is, if the chef hasn't cooked your food, there's no guessing game as to what went into the cooking process. In other words, there is no mystery in the cooking process because there is none. This is one of the main reasons I love sashimi, but eating sashimi every night could get expensive, so if you're the type of person that eats out a lot, a salad is as safe as it gets. Go for a vinegar or some fresh-squeezed lemon juice for dressing, and you're good to go. With salads, there is no guessing game as to how it was cooked, because it isn't! You could also go for cheese plates (in moderation), fresh fruit for dessert, you get the idea. Pin It

Roll with the Punches

So, you've done all your homework. It's girls (or guys) night out. You read up on the menu, planned your order, and you're all set to make the healthy choice, but something goes awry. Whether your friends change the restaurant, they won't do custom orders, or maybe they're out of your healthy choice. What do you do next?

First of all, don't panic. I am the first to admit I have been in this situation and gone into ultimate panic mode because hey, I went out of my way to try to do the healthy thing and the restaurant is standing in the way of me and my goals, but sometimes, you just have to roll with the punches. The worst is when you place your healthy order and it comes doused in butter or oil or sauce... whatever the case may be, but don't throw in the towel. If they screw up, it doesn't mean you should follow their lead. Don't be afraid to be vocal. Send it back if you have to. I've sent dishes back twice before they've prepared it the way I asked. If I am paying good money to eat their food, I want it prepared the way I ask for it. Maybe I'm a diva, but when it comes to being healthy, I take it very seriously! Most restaurants are on board to prep your food the healthy way- if anything, it makes their job easier to simply steam something instead of preparing it in a ton of sauce, but if a restaurant refuses to honor special requests, then stick to something safe such as a salad that they can't totally butcher. Or if there is truly nothing that looks healthy and appetizing, stick to the healthiest appetizer you can find that still tickles your fancy. At least you're guaranteed a smaller portion, and chances are, if it's something indulgent, the small portion should satisfy your craving. The most important thing to remember is if it's not the best meal nutritionally, don't let it throw you off your game. The next meal should be back to your normal, healthy ways! Pin It

Ay Caramba! (Mexican Restaurant Quick Tip)

Who doesn't love Mexican food? With so much flavor in every dish, it's hard to avoid the craving for Mexican- and every once in a while, I definitely give in, but Mexican restaurants can be any health-conscious eater's worst nightmare with all of the empty carbs and fatty cheeses, but there are ways to stay healthy at the Mexican restaurant. For example, order a nice dry piece of grilled protein- and the best part of Mexican cuisine is that there are lots of sauces to choose from with tons of flavor, and not all of the are diet distasters! Here are my top tips on which to dip and which to ditch!

Pico De Gallo: Basically just a mix of Tomato, Onions, Cilantro, and some spices, you can't go wrong with some Pico De Gallo! Just ask to make sure it isn't laden with oil!

Verdict: Def. Dip!

Queso: Yikes. Any cheesy dip/sauce is bound to be a thick fatty mess. Any sauce that uses the word queso should definitely remain off limits:

Verdict: Ditch, and Fast!

Salsa: Again, salsa is usually safe! While it usually has a fair amount of sugar, it is low in calories and packs a good punch of flavor for the amount you actually end up using.

Verdict: Dip Away!

Guacamole: This one is debatable. Made almost entirely of avocado (and salsa, lime juice, veggies, etc. depending on the restaurant), guacamole is very high in fat and calories- but healthy fats, so if your diet allows you to indulge in these healthier fats, and then go for it, but if you're trying to keep a low-cal meal, then unfortunately, it will be hard to rock the guac.

Verdict: Indulge in moderation if you're prepared to pack on a few extra healthy calories. Pin It

Start Smart: New Simple Tip

While I like to plan my meals according to when I'm hungry, if you're eating with others, that isn't always possible. Sometimes, I am starving, but my dinner plans are still an hour away. Now, allowing yourself to go in starving is always a recipe for disaster, so instead, I listen to my body, and start my meal a little early with a smart start.

No, I'm not talking about that cereal by Kellog's. What I mean is, have a small snack in advance to keep yourself satiated so dinner doesn't turn you into a ravenous animal who attacks their dinner like they haven't eaten in weeks. (Trust me, I've made that mistake before!) Today, I went with a simple salad (just some greens), but soup is another great option. Or, if you're on the go, a small handful of nuts or a few slices of turkey will just as easily do the trick!  You can also bring this tip with you to the restaurant- If you get to the restaurant and suddenly hunger HITS, start with an appetizer of soup or salad (healthy ones, of course!) Pin It

Chop, Chop: New restaurant survival tip!

So today's post was supposed to be Tzatziki Tuesday, but that recipe will have to wait because a friend surprised me with a much needed sashimi dinner last night that inspired this post. The last time I got a sashimi platter, I had planned to make tar tar salad with the sashimi, but did such a poor job butchering it, that I ended up eating the sashimi in tiny pieces, and I realized that I ate my dinner much slower than when I devoured it whole  piece by piece. So, Tiny Tummy's newest tip to slow down your eating: small bites.

I've always heard eating in small pieces is the way to go, but until you try it, it doesn't really set in. You're forced to eat slower, you put your fork (or chopsticks) down between bites, and you learn to really listen to when you're full. You can easily take this tip with you to your diner table or to any restaurant. So, my mistake turned into a positive! We both cut our sashimi up and enjoyed it slowly, which makes every bite all the more enjoyable!

Note: The photo pictured is our entire jazzed up dinner- complete with Tiny Tummy's Spicy mayo, chopped scallions, and a big bowl of ginger! And of course, a Bai to satisfy our sweet tooth! Pin It

Stick it to 'em: Asian Food Quick Tip

Asian restaurants have to be one of my favorite places to eat out. First of all, the are surprisingly diet-friendly, for the most part, and they are always accommodating and willing to do what you ask without BSing you. Sushi, in particular, we all know is a Tiny Tummy fav, and while I could go on and on about why I love sushi, instead, I'm going to tell you about why I love something related to sushi: chopsticks.

When it comes to eating in Asian restaurants, no matter how much you suck at it, eat with the chopsticks. It will make you eat slower, you will use less sauce, eat smaller bites, and let's be honest, the challenge is fun! In this case, it's actually to your advantage to suck at using chopsticks- it will really slow you down and allow you to notice when you're starting to feel full. So, what are you waiting for? Get to it! Chop, chop! ;) Pin It

Out of Sight, Out of Mouth

We all have trigger foods... you know, those foods that once you start, no matter how many times you tell yourself you're just going to have 1 or a handful, you end up eating every last bit. For me, nuts tend to fall in that category, along with soy crisps lately, and with the holiday season upon it, temptation is exceptionally high, which is why it is especially important to remember: out of sight, out of mouth.

By this, I simply mean don't keep trigger foods around. If you know that a bag of potato chips is a weakness for you, don't buy it. If you can't stop at just one Oreo, don't buy the box. As much as I love Soy Crisps, I save them for a once in a while indulgence because I know that if I open a bag, chances are, it won't live to see another day! Another option? Portion controlled packaging! If I am CRAVING nuts, I'll buy the 100 calorie packs of almonds, so even if I eat the whole bag, I'm not overdoing it. Unfortunately, I know not all foods work like this... you can't buy one square of cookie dough or a single Oreo, which is why sometimes out of sight out of mouth is the best rule. If it's not in the house, you can't eat it, so just don't buy it. In the end, it will actually save you some money too! Pin It

To Bun or Not to Bun (Burger Joint Survival Guide)

If you find yourself at a burger joint, and it's almost inevitable that you will be treating yourself to a burger, it doesn't have to be a complete disaster for your waistline. While, yes, the patty itself is more than likely filled with unnecessary fat and calories, there are three simple tips to lighten up any burger.

1. No fun in the bun: This brings us to our post title- to bun or not to bun! That is the question. At a burger joint, if you skip the bun, you're probably cutting at least 1/3 of the calories (which are more than likely empty carb calories unless they have some impressive whole grain bun). For me, there's no fun in the bun. Ask if they can wrap it in lettuce- lots of burger joints have embraced the lettuce wrap! If they say no, just skip it altogether!

2. Toss the Sauce: Some burgers now contain fatty, mayo-based sauces, and let's be honest- a good burger shouldn't need it! A juicy burger has enough "sauce" on its own, so say no to that ooey gooey fatty sauce (or if you have to have it, get it on the side and spread a teeny bit on to get the flavor!)

3. Sharing is Caring: This rule is tried and true. If you're ordering a burger at most burger joints these days, it contains twice the amount of beef that a serving would allow for, so share it! Not only will your tiny tummy thank you, but so will your wallet! If you eat it slowly and really enjoy every bite, you won't even miss the other half! Pin It

Cheat, but don't repeat

Yesterday was a very special day in the Tiny Tummy household: Daddy Tiny Tummy turned 60! Clearly, this calls for celebration, and celebration often goes hand in hand with cake, but seeing as the 'cake' of our family is actually sushi, we went to an All You Can Eat Seafood Buffet!

I'm sure you're wondering why I bother to tell you all of this, and my point is, I went to an AYCE Buffet and I Ate.All.I.Could.Eat! It was a complete cheat meal! While it was mostly healthy food that I was eating (sashimi, oysters, snow crab legs, etc.), I still ate a TON, which obviously isn't healthy; however, I wake up today, and I'm right back on track. This brings me to my main point- Cheat!! ... but don't repeat. Just because you had a cheat meal, don't allow that to be an excuse to fall off the wagon. One bad meal won't ruin a diet, but if you let it be an excuse to keep on cheating, you won't have much success. Instead, cheat, have a great time, and get right back to eating right at the next meal or the next day! And no guilt allowed- indulging is part of life- just in moderation!  Pin It

The Clean Plate Club

Mom always said to finish your plate before leaving the dinner table, so it's been ingrained in you from the start, but sometimes this isn't always the best thing. I'll be the first to admit, I am a member of the clean plate club. I am more than able to finish any plate of food that is put in front of me, and chances are, if it's in front of me, I'm going to eat it, even if I'm full (what can I say, I just love food!) This is a big part of the reason that dining out is difficult for many people (again, myself included!). The dishes that restaurants provide almost always contain more than the recommended portion size. While the recommended portion of meat/fish is around  3-4oz for the average person, restaurants tend to serve twice that amount! And while I will be perfectly satiated after consuming a 3-4oz portion of fish/meat, I could easily put away a 12oz steak if it's put in front of me, so I am no different than anyone else. The key here is know when you're full and don't make yourself a member of the clean plate club when eating out at a restaurant. Ever. Listen to your body- you don't have to fill every inch of your tummy with food- no need to walk out so stuffed you can barely move. Instead, learn to leave food over. If you have to, cut your meat in half when you order it and set half aside to take home (hello tomorrow's lunch!), do it! Or, ask the waiter from the get-go to only bring half the dish to the table and have the other half packaged to-go. And when preparing food at home, only put the amount you actually want to consume on your plate- if you're making enough to have leftovers, then put the leftovers away first, so you're not tempted! In this case, there's nothing wrong with being a proud member of the clean plate club :) Pin It

Self-Serve Fro-yo Survival Guide

If anything, I'm surprised it has taken me this long to post a fro-yo survival guide, considering I work in a self-serve fro-yo store at home! These places have been popping up everywhere, and as far as dessert is concerned, it can be a fairly healthy option (as long as sugar is not your main concern!) A lot of yogurt bars serve yogurt that is fairly low in calories and contain live probiotic cultures- yay digestion! Anyway, here are a few tips to help you survive the self-serve frozen yogurt store!

Don't go crazy: Just because the cup is gigantic, doesn't mean you need to fill it to the tippy top. The beauty of self-serve is you can put as much or as little as you'd like in the cup, so only take as much as you really need!

Beware the toppings bar: A good majority of the toppings these places offer are not healthy. If you must have toppings, stick to fresh fruit (nothing packed in syrup!) or a small amount of chopped nuts or even some dark chocolate chips.

Ask for nutritional information- most of these places have trained their employees to know which flavors have the fewest calories, the least sugar, etc., so it doesn't hurt to ask, especially if you have a certain dietary restriction. Ask if they have a no-sugar option or a non-dairy option!

Steer clear of sauces: Doesn't matter if they are labeled fat free, sugar free, etc. they are still full of unnecessary calories and questionable ingredients. If it's a chocolate fix you crave, go for a few dark chocolate chips! Pin It

Thaied Down (Thai Restaurant Survival Guide!)

Thai Food is right up there with Indian food in my favorite cuisines, though many Thai dishes are not exactly healthy. A lot of the dishes are reliant on rice, noodles, or full-fat coconut milk, and of which can pack on the calories and fat fast, but amongst that confusing menu full of these bad options, there are actually quite a few healthy choices on the menu! While Massamun Curry and Pad Thai are among my faves, they aren't exactly healthy, but these next few choices are sure to show up on most Thai menus and won't completely kill your diet!

Appetizers:

Oh Hey, Satay: Chicken Satay is a staple appetizer in Tiny Tummy's Thai visits! The chicken itself is packed with flavor (and sometimes quite a bit of oil, so ask them to go light if possible), and packs a great source of protein. Just don't overdo the peanut sauce- that stuff is a diet-disaster!
Feelin' Frisky? Why not make this your entree?! Can you say cheap dinner?

Thai Salad: Thai restaurants often have a great selection of salads- some with mango, papaya, and lots of veggies. Again, just go very light on the peanut dressing, which is where a good bulk of the calories lie, and you're good to go!

Summer Rolls: Wrapped in rice paper, these are often just a mix of veggies (with the occasional pork, shrimp, etc.) in a cute little pocket. As long as you don't overdo the sauce, these can be a great option. Just be warned- don't confuse them with their similarly named evil twin the Spring Roll which is deep fried and a definite diet no-no.

Entrees: The choices on Thai restaurant menus tend to differ, so as usual, I would say stick to the usual grilled protein with a side of steamed veggies and brown rice. And it doesn't hurt to ask if they have any water-based curries as opposed to coconut milk based curries- these rely on the spices for their main source of flavor!

Dessert: As tempting as that sticky rice or fried banana might be, they just aren't worth it. If you must have dessert, see if they offer fresh fruit- some thai restaurants will serve fresh mango! If not, your best bet is to skip it!

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Surviving the Salad Bar

Generally, it is fairly easy to get a healthy meal at a salad bar, but at the same time, it can be difficult to know what to take and what to avoid to keep your salad guilt free, yet still satisfying. Here are a few quick tips to help you craft the perfect, healthy salad.

1. Let there be Lettuce: Just about any lettuce you choose is a great bet- even iceberg, which is mostly water is acceptable; however, the greener the leaf, the more nutritious it is (as a general rule- not entirely true). Feel free to mix and match the mesculin, spinach, romaine, etc!


2. Veggies? Load 'em on!: Just about any raw veggie is a great option-carrots, celery, tomatoes, cabbage, sprouts, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.- as long as they are raw and sauceless, you are good to go? Some veggies to approach with caution are avocado, corn, or any other starchy, fatty, or caloric choice that may add the calories on more than you'd like. If you're feelin' frisky, some salad bars even have fresh fruit to put on your salad! I've always been a huge fan of strawberries in salad, or maybe even some sliced oranges! Just a disclaimer, watch out for the dried fruit options. These often have added sugars, and those calories can add up fast!


3. Pick the right protein: My personal favorite protein option is egg whites- they are usually hard boiled, so it is safe to assume they weren't cooked in any oil or butter. If egg whites aren't an option, ask how the grilled chicken or grilled shrimp was prepared. Avoid anything that looks very greasy or is sitting in a sauce- chances are, the sauce is not healthy. Another great option for protein is plain tuna (not the tuna spread mixed with mayo) or some fresh kidney/black beans or chick peas- just don't overdo it! Another great source of protein is nuts and seeds, but use very sparingly because those calories add up fast. If you want the flavor of nuts without all the calories, see if they have slivered almonds or something along those lines! Generally, I would avoid the cheese choices, as they are often full fat, but if you can afford the extra calories, then let there be cheese!


4. Avoid at all costs: Any pasta salads, macaroni salads, tuna salad,  or any pre-prepared add-on that is clearly made with oil, mayo, or a fattening dressing. Also, any fried wontons or crunchy, carby topper that is bound to pack the unnecessary calories onto your salad. Skip them. If it's the crunch you crave, add some extra celery!


5. Dress to impress: No, not your clothing- your salad dressing! As a general rule, dressing is a calorie catastrophe. Stick to plain balsamic vinegar (or any other vinegar they may have) or squeeze some lemon on top. If you must indulge on the dressing (we all have those cravings!) use sparingly and don't just dump the whole container on there. You can dip as you go, or use my favorite fork trick- dip the tip of your fork into the dressing before taking a bite of salad. This way, you still get the flavor of the dressing without all the unnecessary calories. If you're feelin' frisky, you can even pack your own dressing. My besties at Walden Farms make single serve packets of some of their dressings that you can take on the go! If you're one to do things unconventionally, some fresh salsa is also a great pick- or if you've loaded up your salad enough, who even needs the dressing?!


Hopefully, these quick tips will help you form a healthy salad, but if you feel I've missed something, let me know!


P.S.- If you have a Charlie Brown's near you, they often have a pretty rockin' salad bar! You can even get the salad bar as your entree, or split a dish with a friend and have the other order the salad bar and share! Pin It

Sharing is Caring

This one may seem obvious, but when dining out, sharing is caring! If you're going out with a friend or even a date (maybe not on the first date, but later on down the line), suggest sharing! Portion sizes are often way big enough for two people, so why not share a dish? This way, you don't have to deal with the temptation of eating the whole dish, and if you're worried about your dish coming prepared in an unhealthy way, you only have to deal with eating half of it! And why not save a few bucks?? You can even split a salad and an entree! Pin It

Beat the Buffet

I won't lie. All you can eat restaurants are among my favorite restaurants, and when I choose to over indulge in a meal, chances are, it will be at a buffet. As we know, my eyes are MUCH bigger than my stomach. I could keep eating and eating and eating if I really wanted to, and at a buffet, it's hard to know when to stop! Here are a few tips to help you survive the buffet, should you choose to venture into the wild!


1. Smaller plates are your friends: If you choose a smaller plate, you have less room to load on tons and tons of food. This way, you have less room to pile on the craziness.


2. The five minute rule: Give yourself five minutes in between plates to assess if you are truly still hungry. If after those five minutes, you still really want another plate, then allow yourself. Additionally, assess if you are actually hungry or just want to eat more. If you aren't truly hungry, avoid the temptation!


3. Water is your friend! Try to have a full glass of water with every plate you take. Water will help to make you feel fuller faster, so you are less likely to overindulge.


4. Don't face the buffet: If you're not looking at it, you will be less likely to focus on what to eat next. Instead, choose the seat facing away from the buffet so you have a chance to take in a little more of the atmosphere!


5. DBD GFG: If you feel full before your friends finish, don't keep eating just to keep up. And, if you're the type that is tempted to continue, use one of my old favorite tips: DBD GFG (don't be dumb, go for gum!)- pop a piece of gum in your mouth so you still keep the flavor going!


As a general rule of thumb, everything in moderation. Buffets are bound to have some unhealthy choices, but if you are really craving those french fries, have one or two, but skip the fried chicken then. The beauty of the buffet is you can take as much or as little of anything as you please, so you are the boss. Don't let the food control you! ;)

P.S. Want to know my secret indulgence? All you can eat sushi! I simply can't resist. I'm even going to share a photo of the most recent platter my family and I devoured at our last sushi outing. Hey, every tiny tummy is allowed to indulge once in a while! Pin It

Simple Tip: Be prepared!

Trying new restaurants can be fun, but it often provides dieters with at least a little uneasiness because it's something new. While this may seem like a DUH suggestion, some people don't think of it, but if you know you are going somewhere new, look up the menu before you go! The beauty of the internet is a lot of restaurants now have their menus online, so you can check it out before you go! This way, you know exactly what you're getting yourself into, and you won't have to scour the menu when you get there to find something healthy! And if you don't see something that fits for your diet, you have time to plan ahead and call the restaurant to see if they can accomodate you or make alternative arrangements. Keep in mind you can always ask a restaurant to prepare their meat and fish high and dry with sauce on the side (no guarantee they will do it, but you can ask!) Pin It

Beat the Breakfast Bloat

While I am not one to go out for breakfast, I know there are many people who do, and it is WAY too easy to order an unhealthy meal when almost all the options seem to be chocked full of sugar or empty carbs. Luckily, there is one breakfast option that is fairly healthy if prepared properly that most breakfast restaurants will serve- an egg white omelette! Egg whites are chocked full of protein, so at least it will be a filling meal, and if it comes with toast, opt for the whole wheat, in hopes of getting at least a little fiber in there (I would personally skip the toast altogether and pack myself a container of berries for some added fiber, but I recognize not everyone has that option.) Also, very important, ask your waiter to have the chef prepare your eggs with as little butter or oil as possible because sometimes chefs will literally slather that stuff on the grill to keep the egg whites from sticking, and it's generally unnecessary. As usual, it is bound to be healthier if you prepare your own omelette at home, but if you have to eat out, this is the best way to go. And don't forget to load up on the veggies! Onions, mushrooms, peppers, spinach, tomatos, etc. all make great additions to eggs and add some flavor to egg whites instead of the butter the chef may want to use to prepare it. And you can always sprinkle a little fresh pepper on it or dip your eggs in hot sauce! (If you haven't noticed, I love hot sauce on just about anything!) Pin It