If you’re like us, Memorial Day weekend means Taste of Cincinnati. From Oreo Cheesecake to the spinach and Ham Souffle with Mushroom Veloute Sauce (yum!), it’ll be easy to cheat on your diet this weekend. But, you can enjoy the three-day festival without packing on the pounds.
Here are three tips from Betsy Oriolo, registered dietitian with the St. Elizabeth Weight Management Center, to enjoy a healthier Taste of Cincinnati.
1. Plan ahead.
Use the best bets below and view the restaurant website for possible nutrition or more detailed meal information before you head downtown.
2. Watch out for desserts and fried foods.
Many of the vendors are offering very tasty but high carbohydrate, fat and calorie desserts and fried offerings. Allow yourself to taste the food but know you don’t have to eat all of it.
“You will save yourself some calories if you choose a grilled over fried,” said Oriolo. “If you do decide to go for one remember you can share your food with someone and you don’t have to clean your plate!”
3. Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.
In general, a 5-oz glass of wine has over 120 calories and a can of beer will cost you 150 calories. Having more than one alcoholic beverage can quickly cut into your Taste of Cincinnati food calorie budget.
If you’re trying to find some of the healthier choices, here are Oriolo’s top picks:
Market Street Grill, Inc: spicy chicken wrap
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks: firecracker shrimp taco & sandia gazpacho
Le’s Pho and Sandwiches: chicken on a stick
Habanero Latin American: baja fish taco
Budina Noodle & Rice: chicken lettuce wrap
Oasis Grill: chicken kebab
Cazadores Mexican restaurant: chicken or steak fajitas
What food items are on your “must-try” list? Share a photo with us on Facebook!
