It’s hard to stick to a diet, but the challenge becomes even more difficult when you leave your kitchen. Calories, carbs, sugar…restaurant menus make it easy to lose track of these diet crashers. Fear not weight watchers! If you are committed to your healthy eating habits, we offer these helpful tips on nutritious dining:
1. Vegetarian Choices
Chefs have discovered a way to add taste and zest to oft neglected vegetarian options. Restaurants like the Sahara offer meatless fare that is far from tofu, soybean vegetarian meals.
2. Requests are Allowed
It’s your plate and your choice what goes on it. You can request that gravy, dressings and other savory sauces be removed from your dish or be placed on the side. This tactic saves calories by allowing you to choose how much of these high calorie items you consume.
3. Heart Healthy Menus
Some restaurants offer Weight Watchers meals or designate a heart healthy choice. Many restaurants, such as the Michigan City Applebees, located inside Marquette Mall are affiliated with the diet franchise. Logos and numbers referencing the dfish’s point count identify the Weight Watchers meals on the menu.
4. Avoid Mom’s Cooking
Foods labled as fried, crispy, stuffed or au gratin are trouble. They can be high in fat and calories – a no-no for anyone watching their weight. Replace the crispy fried stuff with steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted foods. Ask for grilled chicken at any of the bars and grills in town, like The Harbor Grill. Sure, these chefs don’t make it like mom, but they’ll find away to satisfy those taste buds anyways.
5. Say No to Butter
Sometimes it’s necessary to cook with oil and that’s fine – 10-30% of our daily calories should come from fat. Vegetable oil provides a much healthier dose of fats than the alternative butter. Butter lurks in many dishes when dining out. Avoid the butter monster and chose vegetable (olive oil, soybean) oil instead.
6. Just Dessert
Believe it or not, some eateries provide healthy dessert options. Explore menu items with mixed fruits or sherberts to appease that sweet tooth.
7. Bye Bye Calories
Some calories are easy to find such as those in cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Get in the habit of avoiding these tempting toppings.
8. Bad Salads
Salads can be deceiving with all the extra ingredients (and thus, extra calories). Mixed greens are always a good option, but be careful when delving into options with cheese, bacon, heavy dressings and other meats.
9. That’s What Friends are For
Splitting an entrée is both cost and calorie effective. Many restaurants provide servings that will topple regimented diet plans. In that case, get two plates and watch your calories disappear in your friend’s appetite.
10. Go Fish
Remember that joke from Seinfeld? “You know why fish are so thin? They eat fish!” Fish are great for many diets and with Lake Michigan so close, the freshness can’t be beat at local venues such as The Lighthouse Restaurant.
Traveling provides a tempting opportunity to veer off your strict eating plans so remember these tips when vacationing as well as when exploring Michigan City. Bon Appetie!
Good golfing begins (naturally) with the swing. Michiana offers the perfect courses on which to find that perfect swing, practicing some easy tips we have listed below. There are more than 800 courses to choose from in Michigan alone. All you have to do is pick a nice day and head out to the nearest course.
Here are some ways to work on your swing when you get there.
Warm up, like you would with any other strenuous workout.
Stretching will allow for maximized use of your muscles.Your swing uses many muscles throughout the body, beginning with the tip off and continuing until the follow through. And don’t forget about all the walking! Stretching will help loosen your muscles in preparation for the exercise, while protecting them from premature overexertion.
Obtain a proper grip on your club.
You should have a firm grip in which your hands are relaxed comfortably on the club.This grip is the key to beginning your swing perfection. Visit the course’s pro shop like the one found at New Buffalo, Michigan’s Whittaker Woods Golf Course to get hands on instruction.
Practice makes perfect.
Rather than spending a day at the course, why not head over to the driving range to practice your swing for a few hours?If you are headed to the course, start with practice swings or a few minutes on the range. If needed, visit one of the area’s premier driving ranges to practice your swing without worrying about hazards or hitting another golfer.
Make your tee off consistent and strong.
You should control your swing before trying to add an extra push to obtain more yards. Once you are able to control your swing, you can increase your intensity.Keep your swinging arm and the club in line. Do not bend your wrist during the swing.
Ask for help.
Many golf courses employ a golf professional or golf instructor. You can participate in lessons, which can possibly be tailored just to learning a better golf swing. Both public and private courses in Indiana and Michigan have resources to help you perfect your swing. They can provide you with the services of a golf pro—a person who teaches amateur golfers the ropes (or swings) on a golf course. For information on places to tee off in the Michiana area, visit Michiana Golf. It offers both a complete list golf courses in Michiana and links to their web pages. The site also offers special discounts for those golfing on a budget these days.
Despite the gloom and doom stories being reported, Michiana is surviving the tough economic times. An entire website is devoted to the area’s economic health, especially that of Elkart, IN after the so-called collapse of the RV industry. Although Indiana and Michigan are in the red on every site that mentions foreclosures, job loss, and unemployment, we aren’t all standing in Depression Era bread lines.
Although many communities in the area have been hit hard by the economy, there are just as many pulling through with little damage. A few are even thriving! Furthermore, despite the dramatic push to paint Indiana and Michigan as destitute victims of fading industry, there are a number of bright spots that show Michiana pulling out of this slump.
3 Places Where Michiana is Showing a Comeback
1. Tourism
Tourist towns are thriving. For example, the small town of New Buffalo, Michigan, the population of 2,200 recently received a portion of a six million dollar revenue share from the hometown Four Winds Casino owners. That share was only two percent of the profits from the Four Winds. In addition, the town is a tourist magnet for its beautiful Lake Michigan coastline. New Buffalo is best known for its vacation rentals, pleasure boating and boutique shopping.
Although tourism is taking a hit in this economy, my recent weekend in New Buffalo and the small Michiana communities around Lake Michigan revealed a tourist town that is still bustling. There are several other Michiana towns experiencing a similar tourism boost.
2. Industry
Daniels Governor Daniels announced the arrival of seven companies to the Northern Indiana area silencing the talk of Indiana’s dying manufacturing sector after the RV industry collapsed. These companies include a plastics molder, a casting maker, a bathroom fixtures maker and a wire and cable manufacturer. These companies will come to the area with over 500 news jobs and over $22 million in investment dollars. Soon, Northern Indiana will be knocking the rust off its section of the Rust Belt.
3. Restaurants and Retailers
Despite the bleak economic outlook, some major restaurant and retail chains are expanding into Michiana. Red Robin, known for its specialty burgers, is opening a restaurant in Mishawaka in 2009. Olive Garden and Dunkin Doughnuts also expanded (into Michigan City) in 2009. The retailer Big R Stores is developing an abandoned Michiana building while mega-retailer Wal-Mart has plans to add jobs to its stores in Michigan. In May 2009, the chain showed its support for the state by launching its 90-day, $10 prescription supply program there.
Some Encouragement
The sectors discussed above are not in the clear just yet, but there’s no reason to abandon ship. For many in the area, such encouragement means that reality in the rust belt is much less bleak than that posed in the media.
You protect the important things in your life. A house-security system for your family, a doctor for your body, and so on. But how do you protect your car? It can also be very expensive to maintain and care for, but if you find the right auto-mechanic, the price can be worthwhile.
So how do you choose a mechanic?
Referral
In most situations, asking around and finding someone through word of mouth is your best bet. You should ask about quality, price and possibly turnaround.
Communication.
A mechanic should be able to explain to you what is wrong with your car in everyday language, so that you understand. If you are not a car expert, you might not know what is wrong; you must be able to rely on that person to take care of the problems. Question suspicious diagnosis before accepting a quote.
Certifications.
Many people understand a car engine and can fix a car without any certifications. However, there are extensive trainings that can keep their knowledge up to date. As you may be aware, technology and cars are constantly changing, these trainings keep the mechanic current with the best techniques. Additionally, in getting this extra training, it shows that the mechanic values the job, the cars and their quality.
Fees.
A good mechanic will not look for the most expensive repair procedures. Instead, he would understand that although your car is important to you, it might not be feasible to put $3,000 dollars worth of work into it. The cost of fixing the vehicle should be weighed against the benefit. You will not want to put $3,000 of work into a car that is not worth that much.
Maybe you want to bring your car into the dealership. Here are some things to consider before heading back to the dealership’s mechanic.
Dealerships, like Sauer Automotive in Indiana’s LaPorte County, often times have more knowledge about your certain type of vehicle, whether it is a Ford or a BMW. They sell and service those cars daily, so they are very familiar with their makeup.
A dealership may have more advanced equipment that a local mechanic cannot provide. This may not necessarily a benefit, unless it is something tailored to your car model.
A dealership will have extra knowledge about any recalls or factory problems with your vehicle.
A dealership may offer a rental car or shuttle service that a small mechanic cannot provide.
An independent mechanic may be substantially cheaper. The mechanics have to market for their business much more than a dealership, so they often offer more competitive pricing.
As for labor charges, a mechanic may consider the actual time spent working on your vehicle and not the standard industry charge. For example, the dealership might say a repair takes 5 hours and will charge you for that time, even if it takes much less.
The best advice is to shop around. Look at the shop, meet the mechanic, and consider the prices and quality you are getting. This car moves you and your life so make sure to choose wisely.
Major brands such as IHOP, KRAFT and Fortune Magazine have shown us that a company can thrive and even re-invent itself in an economic downturn. Their success stories apply to business in Michiana?
Keeping your composure in addition to providing quality customer services –the core of any business success—will help you navigate this economic downturn.This article will guide you to the other side of the recession –the non-gloom and doom side—with ten ways to keep your composure amidst the anxiety that comes with economic downturns.
10 Do’s and Don’ts for Keeping Your Cool in this Recession
Do not panic. The biggest mistake that businesses both large and small encounter is to decide in a panic. The sight of rising costs and falling revenues sends many managers and CEO’s, to their balance sheets with a pair of scissors.
Do not cut your budgets. Losing employees and entire departments is the most popular decision to such decision-makers. It is also the worst. Cutting staff reduces the company’s ability to function, often leading to sacrifices in customer service and product quality…and thus a slow and painful loss of more customers.
Keep Marketing. Advertising, public relations and marketing are the first departments to see cuts. Many companies fail to realize that a recession is the best time to build your brand name and reputation. The advertising playing field is levelled because of the companies who must cut ad budgets to stay afloat.
Do not pull money from ads to cut costs. Businesses and organizations receiving large income from advertising dollars (such asradio stations selling commercials) have seen the inevitable cut of advertising budgets. In order to stem this income loss, companies are cutting the costs of commercials and ad space. If you are able to weather the storm, you can keep the same number and quality of ads for cheaper prices.
Avoid A La Carte Services. If you must make cuts, try unbundling services. There are no savings in paying for a promotional bundle, when you need only one or two of the services offered in that bundle.
Haggle for Lower Prices. Again, advertisers are slashing prices to attract and keep customers. If you are looking at having to make cuts, call up the sales rep and try to get a better deal. This also works for distributors, vendors and so on.
Negotiate for Your Services. Discuss longer invoicing periods, pre-payment discounts and the possibility of a trade for services or products with clients. When the economy is bad, everyone is looking to keep their client list intact. Many are willing to negotiate to keep your business.
Be Confident. Avoid sending out distress memos, pleas to consumers or any other lament over lost revenues. This gives the impression of instability. It will drive customers away and force vendors and distributors to entertain the idea of labelling your company a financial risk.
Rely on Business Smarts. While it is important not to panic, it also unwise to maintain frivolous, unnecessary costs. Know when to hold ‘em, but also when to fold em.
Steer Clear of Sweepstakes/Rebates sweepstakes/rebate camp. These items are just ways to disguise prices that are often out of sync with the competition. Rebates also falsely advertisement a discount when there really isn’t one. However, these are gimmicks that many companies turn to in order to attract customers.
There are more ways and reasons to keep your composure during a recession. These ten tools should give you a general idea of some of the major mistakes that prevent companies from surviving a recession.
Summer is almost over, but if you’re planning on enjoying the fall weekends with your family or friends, consider the joys of staying at home. Many Michiana residents are steering the mini-van away from the highway and choosing to enjoy local alternatives instead. Luckily, we live in an area that is full of things to do requiring little gas and less travel expense than the usual vacation.
Casinos offer 3-in-1 Vacations at a Fraction of the Cost
Cruise vacations offer dancing, great food, spas, relaxation and even occasional gambling.Well, there are places right here in Indiana and Michigan that offer the same services but at one tenth of the cost.
Both the Four Winds Casino and the Blue Chips Casino are chock full of activities. They offer spas, fine dining, night clubs, luxury suites and yes, the good old games of chance. For many Michiana residents, these amenities are a stone’s throw away, but for those as far away as South Bend, Indiana; the trip is less than an hour.
Auto Dealers can give you a Luxury Ride into the Michiana Countryside
For less than $100 (before deposit) you can live it up for a day by renting a luxury car. Take it for a spin out in the countryside. See some of Michiana’s great sights. For the price of the rental and a tank of gas, you can turn a casual Sunday drive into a luxury cruise on Indiana and Michigan’s scenic highways.
Try out a convertible on Lakeshore Drive that run through Porter and LaPorte counties in Indiana. The sights of beautiful Lake Michigan on one side are matched by the picturesque Indiana Dunes National Park on the other. You might even be lucky enough to spot a deer crossing.Oh, and make sure to leave a little room for cyclists.
Tee on Local Fairways for Relaxation and Sport
Pebble Beach and the fairways on the tropical Hawaiian Isles would make an ideal vacation. However, they come with less than ideal price tags. Fortunately, there are many beautiful courses in our area that offer you a very relaxing golf game that doesn’t break the bank.
Five of Michiana’s golf courses received high ratings by Golf Digest Magazine. The beauty and quality of these courses was found to be excellent. However, very few residents know of their local resources like the many golf courses in the area. Today’s economic conditions warrant a visit to the local rather than Augusta.
Take a Walk through Local History this Year
Many residents in years past have opted for a historical vacation to Colonial Williamsburg or Washington DC, when our area has a rich history of its own. There are a number of local museums for all ages. The admission is usually a couple of dollars for a few hours of entertainment. Look at the local community calendars, such as the one provided by WSBT TV for details on festivals as some museums put on skits, carnivals and more to commemorate special occasions.
Take a Hike…through Michiana
Last is the cheapest of all activities, hiking. Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana are filled with natural pathways and trails. Most are free to the public, but even those that charge cost only a few dollars. The many gardens, National Parks, sand dunes and forests offer the family an invigorating activity without draining the bank account.
Winner of the Best of the Best Awards Steaks and Seafood
The Leader Publications voted the Millennium Steak House best Steaks and Seafood for 2009. No doubt they are right! Millennium is an excellent, fine dining restaurant in Michiana. When you’re in the mood for good times and great cuisine, be sure to check out Millennium Steak House. The restaurant features one of the area’s most pleasant settings and is known for its delightful staff and superb cuisine. The menu at Millennium Steak House features a wide array of great selections, made from only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, with something sure to please every member of your group. Millennium has the highest quality of beef that tastes great with every bite. Millennium Steak House has established itself as one of the area’s favorite culinary destinations and is sure to offer you a pleasant and unique dining experience every time you visit.
Additionally, they can provide a semi-private room for parties, meetings, function or group gatherings, corporate dinners, bridal and baby showers.
The restaurant has received many awards for the quality and service they provide the customers. From the time you enter the front door, you will be pleasantly surprised by the fine dining you will experience.
Please stop in soon, and remember, save room for one of our “Award Winning Desserts”, they’re the best in Michiana!
Don’t Forget to visit FinditLocal411 for 1/2 price gift certificates .
Location & Hours
The Millennium Steak House is located at 1245 South 11th Street (M-51, just north of U.S.12) in Niles, MI.
The Millennium Steak House opens at 5pm Monday-Saturday
Positive Words from Bill Giannakakis
Bill Giannakakis owner of the Millennium Steak House speaks out about tough economic times and how his customers are part of his family.
Some User Reviews
1) The Millennium is my absolute favorite restaurant! It is not far out of the way, there is no traffic, easy parking…and you will not find better food anywhere in Michiana. Perhaps the only thing that comes close to being as good as the food is the way they treat you from the time you walk in – to the time you leave. And believe me…when you leave, you’re full…and you’re happy!
Try the porkchops…simply outstanding!
2) My husband wanted to try the Millennium last week for my birthday. It was great!! The prime rib and filet mignon was the best we have ever had. The service was great. We will be back, with family and friends next time!!
3) My husband and I ate at Millennium for the first time last evening. Our waitress, Amber, was very gracious and gave us wonderful service. The food was great, and I am sure that we will return. I would rate my filet to be better than those I have had from other Steak Houses. I also appreciate the fact that my entree included a choice of potato, rice or vegetable along with a sorbe and warm rolls. Other high end places charge extra for those items.
Las Vegas is falling apart at the seams. Tourism to the area has slowed tremendously. The housing market has almost halted. Although there are still some out there looking for a good time, the lighted streets of Las Vegas are just about silent.
The Blue Chip opened a new $130 million expansion in Michigan City. The gambling facility now includes a 302 room hotel, spa, 18,000 square foot event center, two “Vegas style” clubs.
The Four Winds Casino, has issued a check to the local New Buffalo and Three Oaks communities in an amount of over six million dollars. This is a mere two percent of the profits made since the casino opened in 2007 (just before the economy in the U.S. tanked).
While the Harrah’s Casino properties in the Las Vegas region were reporting a revenue loss of over 20 percent, the casinos in the Indiana/Illinois region experienced a gain of over three percent. In fact, this area is the only one of Harrah’s holding not seeing revenue losses for the first quarter of 2009.
How can Las Vegas, the town praised by Sinatra and the backdrop for many great movies, slow down while our hometown venues find success? The answer lies in target markets. Vegas casinos made millions from tourists hailing from outside Neveda. As travel incomes continue to shrink, Vegas continues to suffer.
Our local casinos, on the other hand, are a short drive from their patrons. Patrons seeking a vacation with the amenities and luxuries of Vegas at lower costs find Michiana casinos.—Four Winds, Blue Chip and even Harris—very entertaining.
5 Success Tips To Borrow From the Casino
Of course, the survival of the casinos in the Michiana area has much to teach other businesses struggling to stay afloat. That lesson is diversification.
The local casinos have a lock on gambling, but who wants to throw their money away on slots and tables? Also, many people lose it all within an hour, how does the casino keep them as a customer?
Offer complimentary but separate services. Diversification is all about juggling more than one product or service. Casinos like Blue Chip added nightclubs, concert space, a spa and luxury hotel suites to their gambling services. These complimentary, but separate services give the gambler something else to do after he loses at the tables, or tires of the slot machines. In fact, these services attract people who aren’t interested in gambling, but come for the club, concert or simple relaxation.
Think about convenience. The Michiana casinos also share another quality. They have several services in one location. The complimentary services offered in one location also offers a convenience factor that few entertainment establishments in our area can beat. In addition, those who overindulge can sleep it off in a luxury room without the worry of cab fare or designated drivers. You can do the same for your business offer your customers convenience. Just think about the types of things that compliment the things you offer.
Be sensible. The casinos stay in the entertainment business. They don’t build libraries or add grocery stores. Those businesses do not compliment gambling and would therefore be a deterrent. Nightclubs and the business of running them falls in the same realm of business as a casino.
Talk to your customers. Talk to the people who patronize your business and see what ides they may have. Sometimes the users of your services can see a complimentary service better than you can.
Research. Study both your target market (potential customers) and competition. You must know who you are catering to and what you are competing against before coming up with a plan for success on diversification.
Diversifying takes many more steps. However, just like our local casinos, it can benefit your business. It is worth the effort, especially in a down economy (when your competition is low and concentrated on surviving and not on expanding).
Good golfing begins (naturally) with the swing. Michiana offers the perfect courses on which to find that perfect swing, practicing some easy tips we have listed below. There are more than 
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