|
WAYS TO SLIM DOWN YOUR MEALS: DESSERTS
At the end of a meal — whether at a party or in a restaurant — many of us have this familiar feeling that, though we can't take another bite of the main course or side platters, we simply cannot call the meal complete without something sweet and sinful. We just "cannot resist" dessert — so here's what we mere mortals can do:
If you have a choice, choose fruit-based creations — something like a fruit sorbet or a fruit salad (minus the icecream) over a cake or torte or pie. The latter often have crusts laden with butter, or are frequently crowned with rich creams or custards.
If a fruit-based dessert typically comes with a fat-rich topping such as cream, cr?me fraiche or a chocolate sauce, request the topping on the side and spoon it on with a light touch.
Face-to-face with a seductive or other rich dessert, take a one-spoon or one-fork helping only.
If you really must have that cr?me brulee, go ahead and order it — but share it. Even the most elegant restaurant is used to seeing dessert being spooned into a relay of mouths.
When you do eat ice-cream, try regular varieties rather than the rich, super-premium types, which are invariably higher in fat.
Equally avoidable: what's known in Indian ice-cream parlours as "American Thick Milk Shake". The name says it all.
Ask about special low-fat low-calorie offerings: perhaps there's a gelatin and sugarless fruit-based dessert choice for diabetics — and that's good for weight-watchers too.
Other low-fat options: desserts that rely on egg whites,
such as meringue or angel food cake. Sherbets, ice milk or flavoured ices also won't do you in.
Fresh berries are an excellent choice of dessert if you pass up the cream.
Don't get neurotic about menu alterations. You might get the waiter so harried that he'll get the details wrong. Or you might offend the chef's sensibility if you order a meal that's so bland that it's unappetizing. Give him the basic guidelines, then let him use them as a challenge to his creativity.
Having made all those demands — and having had them acceded to — don't forget to tip generously. Your server deserves an E (i.e. Extra) for effort! Or your special requests might not meet with such affability the next time round.
*38\332\2*
| 
