| One of the toughest parts of dieting is all of the | | | | long as that towering crispy shell is left in the |
| great food we have here in the Bay Area. There | | | | kitchen and never makes it to your plate. Opt for |
| is such a great mix of nationalities and cultures | | | | sliced avocado instead of guacamole and salsa |
| and with that comes a great variety of food. | | | | fresca or pico de gallo instead of salsa especial. |
| Choose any city and you are sure to find a great | | | | Any roasted or special salsa will often contain fats |
| mix of Indian, Caribbean, Chinese, Thai, Ethiopian | | | | and oils that we don't need. |
| or American food - and let's not even get into the | | | | Japanese: This may be one of the easiest menus |
| great fusion options. With the informative list | | | | to navigate and a personal favorite. First off there |
| below Hercules personal trainer Christian Aguirre | | | | is a bevy of healthy low fat or healthy fat |
| helps guide us through the tempting and | | | | sashimi. Feel free to dine on tuna, salmon or |
| sometimes confusing menu choices. | | | | hamachi with seaweed salad or a green salad. |
| American Foods: When we think about classic | | | | Miso soup is also a lower calorie item though |
| American cuisine items that come to mind are | | | | many varieties may have a high sodium content. |
| burgers, hot dogs, great barbeque, fried chicken. | | | | Avoid crispy rolls and rolls with tempura. Ask your |
| Also plenty of comfort foods like mashed | | | | server if they offer brown rice or or low carb |
| potatoes or macaroni and cheese. We also know | | | | soy or cucumber wraps for your sushi. The grilled |
| there are a variety of salads on most American | | | | mackrel or saba shioyaki as it will appear on most |
| menus and these are great lower calorie options. | | | | menus is full of healthy fats and minerals but be |
| As long as you avoid salads with ingredients | | | | sure to tell the chef to go easy on the oil and salt |
| described as crispy and crunchy, this usually | | | | used to grill this dish. |
| means fried. Also pay attention to the amount of | | | | Italian: Ah the tantalizing pasta dish can be very |
| certain toppings such as cheeses, tortilla strips, | | | | hard to resist. If you must have pasta remember |
| wontons, nuts and dressing. Eliminate these items | | | | your portion sizes, these restaurants are known |
| or ask for them on the side. A great feature on | | | | for big family style dishes. Look for words like |
| most menus at chain family style restaurants is | | | | fresco (fresh), pomodoro (simple blend of |
| the nutritional information or the lighter fair menu. | | | | tomatoes, onions, olive oil and basil) or primavera |
| Mexican: Oh the cheese, crispy chips and | | | | (this means spring but think fresh veggies). Italian |
| guacamole are enough to make any dieter weak. | | | | restaurants usually have a few delicious fish or |
| Luckily there are some great options at most | | | | poultry choices as well. |
| Mexican food restaurants. A great thing about this | | | | There are many options and no excuses when |
| south of the border cuisine is that most meats | | | | eating out. It's okay to splurge every once in a |
| are grilled and made fresh so you can ask for | | | | while, personal trainer Christian Aguirre knows you |
| light or no oil. Order a single chicken or fish taco | | | | deserve a treat here and there. But don't skip out |
| and choose whole pinto beans and a salad for | | | | on a new eatery or fun night with friends |
| your sides. Traditional tacos will have meat, onions | | | | because of a diet. Be a smart diner with these |
| and cilantro. Some come with two tortillas so take | | | | tips. |
| one off. Taco salads can also be a great choice as | | | | |