Eating out at a restaurant can be a great way to socialize and experience different types of cuisine, however it can be difficult to make healthy choices when faced with an extensive menu. Here are 5 tips to help you make the best food choices when dining out.
- Eat Slowly
- Go for Half-Sizes
- Choose the Right Restaurant
- Plan Ahead
- Avoid Sugary Drinks
- Don’t Skip the Veggies
- Skip the Appetizers
- Share a Dessert
1. Eat Slowly
Eating slowly is one of the best ways to ensure that you are eating healthy at restaurants. It can be easy to get carried away with all the delicious food and flavors in front of you, but it is important to take your time and savor each bite. Not only will it help you enjoy your meal more, but it will allow your brain to catch up with your stomach and recognize when you feel full.
To help you eat slowly, set aside your phone or other distractions and focus solely on your meal. Make sure you savor the flavor of each bite and appreciate all the hard work the chef has put into preparing your food. If you find yourself eating too quickly, pause in between bites and take a few deep breaths to help reset your pace.
Another way to ensure that you don’t overeat is to order smaller portions. You can always order an appetizer as your main course, or better yet, share a meal with a friend. This way, you can still enjoy a variety of dishes without feeling too full at the end of the meal.
Finally, be mindful of the beverages you order. Beverages can be an easy way to add extra calories to your meal, so opt for water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks.
Eating slowly is a simple and effective way to ensure that you make healthy choices when dining out. Take your time to savor each bite, and you’ll be able to recognize when you’re full without overeating. That way, you can enjoy your meal without feeling guilty.
2. Go for Half-Sizes
At first glance, it may seem like you have to choose between enjoying your meal and eating healthy. But that doesn’t have to be the case. A great option for healthy dining is to order a half-sized portion of the dish you want. Many restaurants offer half-sized portions of menu items, so you can still enjoy the same foods without overeating.
This option is great for people who want to cut down on calories without completely cutting out their favorite dishes. It’s also a great way to sample multiple dishes without feeling guilty. With half-sized portions, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods without the guilt.
Another great benefit to ordering half-sized portions is that it’s more budget friendly. You can enjoy the same foods for half the price, which is a win-win for anyone trying to eat healthy on a budget.
Finally, ordering half-sized portions can help you control your portions more easily. It’s easy to overeat when you’re served too much food, but you can avoid this by ordering a half-sized portion of your favorite dishes. This way, you can still enjoy your favorite foods without overindulging.
So the next time you’re out at a restaurant, keep in mind that you don’t have to give up on your favorite dishes to eat healthy. Instead, look for the half-sized portions option and enjoy your meal without feeling guilty. You’ll still get to enjoy the same great flavors without going overboard.
3. Choose the Right Restaurant
Look for restaurants that offer healthy options such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This is an important first step in making sure you’re eating healthy while dining out. Start by doing some research ahead of time to find restaurants that serve dishes with wholesome ingredients. Look for restaurants that emphasize local, seasonal, and organic produce. Some restaurants also offer healthy choices such as salads, grilled fish, and vegetable side dishes.
When you’ve found a restaurant that has healthy options, look for dishes that are prepared in a healthier way. Avoid anything that’s fried, sautéed, or smothered in heavy sauces. Instead, ask for your food to be grilled, steamed, or roasted. Ask for dressings and sauces on the side so you can control how much you’re using.
When possible, order an appetizer-sized portion for your meal. This will help you control portion size and save some calories. Additionally, you can split a meal with a friend or family member. This can be a great way to sample several dishes without eating too much.
Be mindful of what you’re drinking, too. Opt for sparkling water with a splash of juice, tea, or a low calorie beer. Avoid sugary sodas and cocktails because these are high in calories and sugar.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re unsure of the ingredients in a dish, ask your server. Most restaurants are more than happy to answer questions about what goes into their dishes. By doing some research, asking questions, and being mindful of your choices, you can make healthier choices when dining out.
4. Plan Ahead
One of the simplest tips for making healthy choices when eating out is to plan ahead. Doing some research before you leave for the restaurant can be extremely beneficial. Look up the menu online or check out reviews and feedback from other customers. You can also find nutritional facts and ingredients that are listed for each dish. This will help you make an informed decision about what you should order and what you should avoid.
When you arrive at the restaurant, take your time and review the menu carefully. Think about how the dish was prepared and what ingredients it contains. If you are still feeling unsure about your order, don’t be afraid to ask the server for more information. They can provide additional details about the ingredients and how it was cooked.
Knowing what ingredients are in a dish is also important. Ask about any sauces or condiments that are used and if they are made with unhealthy oils or fats. If you are unsure about something, it is always best to opt for a healthier alternative. For example, if a menu item is fried, you can request that the chef prepare it with a healthier cooking method such as baking or grilling instead.
You can also ask for modifications to a dish to make it healthier. For example, you can ask that the chef leave out cheese, cream, or butter from a dish or use less of it. Additionally, if a dish is served with a side of deep-fried potatoes, you can ask for a side salad or steamed vegetables instead.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for smaller portions. Restaurant portions are often quite large and can be hard to finish. Ask the server to give you a half portion or split the dish with a friend. This way you can still enjoy a delicious meal without overeating.
Planning ahead can help you make healthy choices when dining out. Doing some research and being aware of ingredients used in dishes can make it easier to make the best food decision for your diet. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for modifications or smaller portions, as this can help you enjoy a healthier meal.
5. Avoid Sugary Drinks
- Choose water or unsweetened tea over sugary drinks. Tip 1: Avoid sugary drinks such as soda and fruit juice. These drinks can add up quickly in calories. Instead, opt for water or unsweetened tea. You can also ask for flavored sparkling water or add a slice of lemon or lime to your water for a refreshing drink without any added sugar.
- Opt for a smaller size sugary drink or add a splash of juice to sparkling water. Tip 2: If you do choose a sugary drink, opt for a smaller size. This will help you reduce the amount of sugar and calories you consume. Even better, try adding a splash of juice to sparkling water instead of ordering a full-sugar drink.
- Try sparkling water with juice or make your own flavored water at home. Tip 3: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to soda, try sparkling water with a splash of your favorite fruit juice. This will give you the carbonation of a soda without all the added sugar. You can also make your own flavored sparkling water at home by adding fresh fruit and herbs to your water.
6. Don’t Skip the Veggies
Many restaurants offer a wide array of side dishes, from french fries to mashed potatoes. While it is tempting to indulge in these unhealthy options, making the conscious decision to choose a side of fresh vegetables instead can make a huge difference in the nutritional quality of your meal. Vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy diet, and they are much lower in calories than other popular side dishes. Adding vegetables to your plate is an easy way to increase your intake of fiber, which can help you feel full and boost your metabolism.
When choosing vegetables, try to select ones that are in-season to guarantee their freshness and nutrient content. Additionally, you can request for your vegetables to be cooked using healthier techniques, such as steaming or grilling, as opposed to frying. This will help reduce the amount of fat and calories in your meal.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your server for suggestions on healthier alternatives. Many restaurants are willing to customize your meal to meet your dietary needs, so take advantage of this opportunity. You can even ask to substitute a side of vegetables for a side of fries or mashed potatoes.
Eating out at a restaurant doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health. By opting for a side of fresh vegetables instead of a high-calorie dish, you can enjoy a delicious meal that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals while keeping your calorie count low.
7. Skip the Appetizers
- Skip the appetizers Appetizers are usually loaded with fat and calories, so it’s best to save your appetite for the main course. When you’re feeling tempted to order an appetizer, try ordering a salad instead. Salads are usually full of healthy vegetables and topped with a light dressing. This will help to keep you full and energized for the rest of the meal without feeling bloated from too many calories.
- Ask for salad dressing on the side When you do order a salad, make sure to ask for the dressing on the side. This way you can control how much dressing you’re consuming. Many dressings are made with unhealthy oils and high amounts of sugar, so having them separate will help limit how much of those ingredients you’re eating. Instead, opt for a healthier vinaigrette made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Order lean proteins When ordering your main course, opt for lean proteins such as grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu. These proteins are usually lower in calories and healthier for your heart. If you’re feeling adventurous, try ordering a unique vegetable dish or a vegan option. This will help to add some flavor and variety to your meal without the unhealthy fats and calories.
- Choose whole grain carbs Instead of ordering a white rice or pasta dish, opt for whole grain versions. Whole grain carbs are higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than their white counterparts. They also help to keep you fuller for longer and are better for your overall health. Ask your server if they have any options for whole grain dishes and see what they recommend.
- Watch your portion size Portion control is key when it comes to eating healthy at restaurants. Most restaurants serve large portions that are big enough for two or three people. To avoid overeating, ask for a to-go box right away and divide your meal in half. This way you can save the other half for leftovers and you won’t be tempted to eat too much.
8. Share a Dessert
- Split a dessert with friends If you’re craving something sweet, split a dessert with your dining companions and you can still enjoy a treat without overindulging. Order a dessert to share with your friends and family and you can get the same indulgence without having to commit to an entire dessert for yourself. You can also save money by splitting the cost of the dessert. Plus, when you share a dessert, you’ll get to enjoy the experience of trying something new together!
- Choose fresh fruit If you’re looking for a healthier dessert option, fresh fruit is always a great choice. Fresh fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals that are important for your body, and it’s also light and refreshing. Plus, you can get creative with it by adding some other ingredients like honey and spices to make it even more flavorful. Enjoying a colorful plate of fresh fruit is a great way to end a meal on a healthy note!
- Choose lighter options When it comes to dessert, it’s important to choose a lighter option. Instead of opting for a heavy, calorie-laden dessert, try choosing something like a fruit sorbet, or a light yogurt parfait. These options are much lower in calories and sugar, and they still satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they are usually served in smaller portions, so you won’t be tempted to overindulge!
- Watch your portion size One of the most important tips for eating healthy at restaurants is to watch your portion size. Many restaurants tend to serve larger portions, so it’s important to be mindful of how much you are eating. Try to stick to one serving of the dessert, and don’t be tempted to go for seconds. Eating smaller portions can help you avoid overeating and keep your calorie intake in check.
- Drink water Finally, make sure to drink plenty of water when you’re out at a restaurant. Water can help fill you up and curb your appetite, so you won’t be tempted to indulge in that second piece of cake. Plus, it’s important to stay hydrated when dining out to help your digestion and keep you feeling energized. So make sure to order a glass of water to go along with your dessert and you’ll be sure to stay on track.
