How To Eat Healthy When Eating Out
It's sometimes difficult to make good food choices when you are eating out at a restaurant. Preparation is key to make it possible to make healthier choices when going out to eat. Here are some ideas:
:: Have a snack before you leave the house. By the time you get to the restaurant & finally order, you may find yourself ravenous. A snack can help take the edge off so you make smarter ordering choices. (rather than filling up with bread!)
:: There are lots of options these days & many restaurants will accommodate. Dishes that are deep-fried, pan-fried, basted, batter-dipped, breaded, creamy, crispy, scalloped, Alfredo, au gratin or in cream sauce are high in calories, usually with unhealthy fats. Opt for grilled, seared, or broiled and choose sauces that are tomato or broth based rather than cream. You could also ask to have any entree grilled instead of the way it is on the menu. Most places will be happy to give you exactly what you want.
:: Check out the nutritional information. These days everyone has a website. Check out the nutritional information on the company's website and figure out which items are healthy to eat before you go. You could even get a few ideas of what to order before you even get there.
:: Be aware of dressings. Often dressings such as mayo or sour cream are fat-packed.
Don't be afraid to special order or have them put it on the side. Many menu items would be healthy if it weren't for the way they were prepared. :: Look out for veggies. A lot of vegetable dishes are drowning in butter and salt. Ask to have your veggies steamed and no butter or salt. This way, you control what goes on your food.
:: Watch portion size - share or bring a portion home. If you know dessert is your "thing," split dinner or order an appetizer & skip dinner all together. No need to deprive yourself of your favorite dish at a favorite restaurant.
:: Avoid buffets - even healthy ones like salad bars. You'll likely overeat to get your money's worth.
:: Drink water with lemon instead of soda or ask for a spritz of juice in your glass of water to add some flavor, but without all the calories.
:: Have a snack before you leave the house. By the time you get to the restaurant & finally order, you may find yourself ravenous. A snack can help take the edge off so you make smarter ordering choices. (rather than filling up with bread!)
:: There are lots of options these days & many restaurants will accommodate. Dishes that are deep-fried, pan-fried, basted, batter-dipped, breaded, creamy, crispy, scalloped, Alfredo, au gratin or in cream sauce are high in calories, usually with unhealthy fats. Opt for grilled, seared, or broiled and choose sauces that are tomato or broth based rather than cream. You could also ask to have any entree grilled instead of the way it is on the menu. Most places will be happy to give you exactly what you want.
:: Check out the nutritional information. These days everyone has a website. Check out the nutritional information on the company's website and figure out which items are healthy to eat before you go. You could even get a few ideas of what to order before you even get there.
:: Be aware of dressings. Often dressings such as mayo or sour cream are fat-packed.
Don't be afraid to special order or have them put it on the side. Many menu items would be healthy if it weren't for the way they were prepared. :: Look out for veggies. A lot of vegetable dishes are drowning in butter and salt. Ask to have your veggies steamed and no butter or salt. This way, you control what goes on your food.
:: Watch portion size - share or bring a portion home. If you know dessert is your "thing," split dinner or order an appetizer & skip dinner all together. No need to deprive yourself of your favorite dish at a favorite restaurant.
:: Avoid buffets - even healthy ones like salad bars. You'll likely overeat to get your money's worth.
:: Drink water with lemon instead of soda or ask for a spritz of juice in your glass of water to add some flavor, but without all the calories.
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