When was the last time you ate out? In the last month, week or couple of days? If you are like many today it's most likely going to be in the last couple of days if not your last meal.
Last year in 2015 for the first time ever we saw spending in restaurants and bars go beyond that of groceries. Along with this we're seeing a trend in 2016 for more affordable dining out as well, according to Reserve.
Not only is dining out a reality for many across the board and more so for the younger generation but it's a necessity. In a high pressure, demanding job the focus becomes increasingly on spending more time in front of the computer and getting the job done than on toiling over a hot stove. It's a lot easier to have the meal come to you, whether it's to your desk or to the table you sat at at a restaurant. It's just convenient, period.
But what exactly are you eating and what is it doing to your body? If you order steak, you get steak. If you order sautéed vegetables you get vegetables. Yes that is clear but what about how it was prepared and with what ingredients?
While many establishments are talking about using fresh, natural ingredients. Not all natural ingredients are doing the body good. One of them in particular is the fats that many dishes and foods get prepared in -- even outside of the restaurant in packaged, processed foods. One of the most popular oils used today is canola oil.
It can be found in dressings, soups, salads, meats, sautéed anything and the list goes on. If a dish is prepared in some kind of fat there's a good chance it has canola oil in it.
While canola oil is an unsaturated fat known to be heart healthy along with other oils like vegetable oils, it is quite high in omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-9 fatty acids throw off the balance of healthy levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids that your body needs and usually does not get enough of.
When this happens it causes the production of the bad kind of prostaglandins that lead to inflammation. Inflammation of the body is like having a low-grade fever. It wears you down. It's also been known to raise blood pressure and even encourage cancer cells to grow. Omega-3 fatty acids on the other hand are great for your body. Omega-3s are known to have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve our mood and memory and are great for the brain in general.
Instead of canola oil, look out for foods and meals that use unprocessed organic oils such as extra virgin olive oil or even organic butter. Butter can be an option if it suits your body and its needs. Organic raw butter from the milk of grass-fed cows is even better, as it contains omega-3s.
For strategies on how to eat out while keeping it fresh, natural AND healthy, get your free report here.