Nowadays, we eat out more than we ever have. Our days are packed with schedules and responsibilities, making it difficult to plan our meals while we’re on the run. We eat out for convenience, for the ease of already-prepared food and for social reasons – like spending time with our friends or attending a business lunch.
People dine out for various reasons, and it’s completely understandable. Eating out can be part of a balanced diet and certainly offers us plenty of options, but it’s important to understand that we have to be cautious of what we eat and how much! Here’s what you need to know when you leave behind your groceries to enjoy a meal that’s not from your kitchen.
Eating Out: Do’s and Don’ts (Guidelines for Healthy Dining)
- DO look at the menu before walking in. Most places have an online menu for you to look at that also includes ingredients, calories and price.
- DON’T walk into a restaurant blind-sided. You’re more likely to choose items based off of hunger or cravings.
- DO watch your portions, because they’re usually bigger than they have to be. If there’s a lot on your plate, try boxing half of it up and eating whatever you’ve left yourself.
- DON’T order the appetizers, desserts or alcohol just because you can. Doing so every once in a while is okay, but these additional items are packed with extra calories and very little nutritional content.
- DO tell your server exactly how you want your food prepared. Let him know specifically what you want, like food that hasn’t been cooked in butter or a special sauce. Go ahead and be assertive – it’s okay to have requests!
- DON’T load up on fried foods, cheese sauces or heavy dressings. These items are also filled with extra calories, and they may leave you feeling heavy and lethargic when your meal is done.
- DO eat out in moderation. Although restaurants have delicious food and many menu items to pick from, your own groceries and kitchen will help you make the healthiest choices for your body because you’ll know exactly what’s going in your food!
What Should You Eat When Eating Out?
If you do decide to splurge a little and dine out, there are plenty of ways to make healthy choices that won’t leave you feeling guilty afterwards. Consider these tips for making food-decisions that are lighter and leaner:
- Eating lean proteins such as chicken, turkey and some seafood usually substitutes well for beef, pork and other meats that are higher in fat.
- Stock up on vegetables! Instead of sides that are greasy or heavy in fat and starches, load your plate with vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, asparagus, green beans and other power foods.
- Don’t ignore the salad! Salad can be far from boring, despite what people think. This is a great option if you’re searching for a lot of flavor and nutrients. Choose light dressing, and not too much of it. Salads pack a powerful punch!
- Eat whole-grain when you can find it. Many breads and pasta entrees come with whole-grain options, and if they don’t, you can at least try asking for it!
Want More Information on Staying Healthy When Eating Out?
Take advantage of our FREE Health and Wellness Guide as a resource for your journey to better weight and health! There, you’ll find lots of information on nutrition when it comes to meal-planning.
Click here to order your free health and wellness guide!
