A recent survey on the eating out habits of Hong Kong people conducted by the Department of Health showed that a 27% and 44% of people aged 12 or above ate out regularly for breakfast and lunch respectively. The same study revealed that people who ate out frequently were more common to have an inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables. Another study carried out by the Chinese University of Hong Kong also showed that people who ate out frequently more easily developed a big tummy or central obesity. Hence, here are some tips on eating out.
Change your eating behaviour :
Order the right amount of food.
Ask restaurants to serve sauces and sugar separately.
Ask for change if the food or drink is too oily, salty or sweet.
Avoid distraction while eating e.g. working or watching the television when eating, because this will easily makes you eat more without noticing it.
Eat slowly, allow at least 20 minutes to finish your meal.
Eat to 70-80% full.
Feel no pressing need to finish the remaining food if full. You can save up the food while observing the hygienic condition.
References
Baseline Survey for EatSmart@restaurant.hk Campaign. Hong Kong SAR: Department of Health; 2007.
Press release: Dining-out will Increase the Risk of Overweight. Hong Kong SAR: Centre for Nutritional Studies of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. 17 March 2008.
Source from Non-Communicable Diseases Aware Volume 5 Issue 4 April 2008
