#Live Right at Night … #Healthy Takeout
Are you a gal who always gets a doggy bag for your leftovers? Are you an urban diva and find yourself speed dialing your fave takeout restaurant or getting delivery most nights of the week? Well if you are then read on darling. I’ve got some must-read tips regarding how to ensure your takeout or leftovers are helping you Eat Right at Night (and the morning after when you snack on them as well) because you can’t always smell or see bacteria on food that can make you sick.
First, before you ever order take-out from a new restaurant do a walk-by to ensure the brick and mortar location of your go-to spot is clean and sanitary. As they say, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” and the restaurant conditions may be a representation of the establishment’s attitude on food safety. Other things to think about in terms of take-out…
1) Do you know how long to keep leftovers in your fridge? The rule for most take out is 4 days then throw it away.
2) Don’t eat food that’s been left out at room temperature for more than 2hrs. Since it’s summer and it’s getting hot inside if room temperature climbs higher than 90 degrees cut that throw away time point to 1hr.
3) If you left food out and not refrigerated then throw it out!
4) Make sure to re-heat your food thoroughly – ALL the way through – cold spots can serve as hiding spots for bacteria
5) Don’t give leftovers to people who are sick or have food allergies.
6) If you’re going to a deli to get takeout – look at the food stations. The hot food should be HOT – look for steam rising or condensation on the glass covering the food. And the cold food should be COLD – the food storage areas should be cold to the touch and there may even be frost or ice around.
7) Don’t pick food from the sky-high pile. It may not be warmed or cooled appropriately.
8) If food looks “old ” it probably is – don’t buy it.
Yes it’s true that some food tastes better when we eat it on our couch or the next day but it’s important to make sure that your favorite takeout items don’t end up making you sick and slowing you down.
Here’s to safe snacking and a great weekend!
Dr. V