How is it that food has become the way to reward or celebrate any and all accomplishments?  Got a promotion at work?  Let’s go out to dinner to celebrate! Wedding anniversary?  Let’s go out to dinner to celebrate!  Sometimes a dinner out is even used as a way to celebrate weight loss.

We all know that eating out does little to benefit our waistlines.  Not only do we tend to eat more when at a restaurant, food also often contains more calories and fat when not prepared at home.  So, why not explore other ways to celebrate that are good for you?
Here are a few ideas for alternative to that dinner out.

•    Buy a new outfit.  Each time you wear your new threads you’ll be reminded of your accomplishment and look good.
•    Get a new cookbook filled with healthy recipes.  Sometimes we fall into ruts with our recipes.  A new cook book may give you that spark to get excited about healthy eating again.
•    Subscribe to a cooking or health magazine.  You’ll receive monthly tips and motivators.
•    Get a new kitchen gadget.  There’s nothing like a new gadget to get you excited about cooking in the kitchen.

If you really want to celebrate your accomplishment with others, as an alternative to going out for dinner – host a party.  You can serve healthy snacks and enjoy an evening with friends and family.