Teenagers are always up for eating outsid the home. Add to that, their hectic and stressful schedule keeps them on their toes and out of house too. That’s when they order whatever appears delicious on the restaurant’s menu card. However, one has to be aware of the health implications associated with “eating out”. Here are few healthier options your teenager can opt for while eating out.
- Pasta with chicken in arabiatta sauce
- Tofu with stir fry veggies
- Non- fried chicken/ fish preparation with very little rice
- Pesarrattu (dal dosa) with vegetables
- Rawa idlis with sambhar
- Mushroom risotto with chickpea salad
However, always keep the following pointers (DO’S AND DON’T’S) in mind, which will keep you healthy and satisfied:
- Avoid deep fried foods, mayonnaise, cream cheese and any other table foods (like bread basket) that add to your calories.
- In vegetables, avoid cashews, coconut or cream based gravies.
- Opt for the green chutney or tomato chutney instead of the coconut one.
- Opt for steamed and grilled starters compared to the deep fried variety.
- Pick up sorbet or a fruit pudding instead of a high calorie dessert.
- Never miss your proteins (chicken, fish, dal, milk and curd), or else have your protein before you leave your house.
A sample menu for a teenager
Breakfast (Any one of the following options)
- Cereal with milk
- Toast and eggwhite omlette
- Paratha with curd
Lunch (Any one of the following options)
- Roti + dal + vegetable + curd
- Wraps with curd
- Veg pulao with tofu
Evening (Any one of the following options)
- Milk and biscuits
- Milk and bread toast
- Egg and toast
Dinner (Any one of the following options)
- Roti + dal + vegetable + curd
- Pasta with baked beans
- Noodles with stir fry veggies and tofu
In the end, it’s not always what you choose, but also, how much you choose. Continuous bingings on high calorie foods is not always healthy. One must always keep a check on what they are eating, how much and at what time. This will surely lead them to a healthier and fitter path for a longer life.
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