Eating out can be a fun way to socialize and enjoy some delicious food, but watching your nutrition intake doesn’t have to get in the way. If you’re looking for tips on how to eat healthy when dining out, there are a few simple steps you can take.
Start by ordering salads with vinaigrette dressings instead of creamy ones; entrees that list vegetables in their ingredients; and if you’re up for it, go for grilled instead of fried items. Drinking water is also an effective way to reduce calorie consumption and stay hydrated throughout the meal.
Portion sizes often tend to be large at restaurants, so opting for a smaller plate or asking for half of your order to be taken away can help restrict your resistance toward self-control.
With that being said, remember that eating healthy isn’t about depriving yourself of the joy of dining out – it’s all about finding the balance between nutritious and tasty.
Say no to fried and cheesy foods
Eating out should always be a pleasant experience, but if you want to stay healthy, it can be harder than it looks. Fried and cheesy foods may taste great at the moment, but these fatty and caloric options can lead to health issues in the long run.
To make sure this doesn’t happen, there is a simple way to guarantee a healthy meal: say no to fried and cheese. Limiting yourself can help you feel fuller faster with nutritious meals like salads or fish dishes, which are much better for you in the long run.
Even better, add some fresh fruits or vegetables on top of your dish for even more added dietary benefits! Both your body and your taste buds will thank you later.
Eat healthy fats
Eating healthy while dining out requires some extra thought and planning. One helpful tip to get the most nutrition out of your time at a restaurant is to fill up on healthy fats. Healthy fats can be found in fish, nuts, olives, avocados, and olive oil.
Eating these options will give you essential vitamins and energy that will keep you feeling fuller for longer throughout your day. Research the menu beforehand, if possible, so you know which restaurants have more nutritious fare than others.
Additionally, it’s worth asking about creamy sauces or dressings — like mayonnaise — as many times these are filled with unhealthy fats such as saturated fats. Keep an eye on portion sizes too! Eating healthy when dining out isn’t difficult; it just takes some intentional decision-making!
Get your order customized to your diet
Eating out can be a challenge when you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet. However, you don’t have to give up going out altogether–the trick is getting your order customized so it fits into your lifestyle. Many restaurants will now let you create a meal tailored to your dietary needs, adding or taking away certain ingredients and even making sure special requests are followed.
Even if the restaurant doesn’t offer custom meals, many will adjust items on their menu upon request, such as swapping white rice for brown and replacing mayonnaise with mustard. A simple tweak like this can make all the difference when eating out and still staying true to your nutritional goals!
Substitute vegetables for sides
Eating out can be tricky for those following a healthy diet. To stay on the right track, substitute veggies for the side dishes that typically accompany your dinner order. Ask the server if you can have a double portion of fresh vegetables instead of fries, chips, or creamy sides to reduce your sodium and calorie intake significantly.
Not only are these substitutions more nutritious, but they also add extra flavor and texture to your dish. Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor – try some new veggies today!
Know how to read the menu to find unhealthy dishes
Eating at restaurants can be an enjoyable experience, giving us a break from preparing and cooking meals. However, picking unhealthy dishes that are high in fat and sodium can ruin the fun. One of the best tips to eat healthy when going out is to know how to read the menu properly.
When ordering food, scan the menu for words such as “gooey”, “crispy”, “breaded”, or “battered”. Avoid anything that has been fried, and opt for grilled items instead. Lunch specials are not always the healthiest option either; these foods may contain hidden calories and high amounts of oil or animal fat.
Check for low-fat dressing or sauces that do not contain added sugars or complicated names – chances are their ingredients are processed with unhealthy oils. Selecting a restaurant that primarily serves healthy food can be a great way to indulge your cravings for healthy meals and eat without worrying too much about the ingredients.
With careful selection, you can have an enjoyable meal without spoiling your health goals!
Select bread-based meals
Eating out can often feel like a struggle to make healthy choices. To help you along, a good tip is to select meals with bread as their base. These might include options such as sandwiches or wraps, but can also be more creative dishes typically served on sliced loafs or flatbreads.
Fiber-rich whole grains are preferable over refined white bread variants, and adding lean proteins as fillings can further enhance the nutritional content of these meals. Eating out does not have to mean sacrificing your diet – with a few smart selections, you can enjoy tasty and nutritious and delicious meals.
Have water
Eating out can be challenging if you try to maintain a healthy diet. One easy tip that you can remember when dining in a restaurant is to have water – especially between courses! Drinking plenty of water helps to curb your appetite while giving your body the hydration it needs.
Plus, drinking water over sugary drinks keeps calories low and can leave extra room for a sweet treat after your meal. It may sound small, but having water while eating out could make all the difference in keeping on track with your healthy eating goals!