Information You Need Before You Order Your Next Restaurant Meal
It’s Friday evening, and you just got the call for an invite to go to that new restaurant that just opened up down the street. Word is that they have a great menu, and you’ve wanted to try some of their food. But there’s just one catch: you want to go enjoy a great night out, but you also want to stay on track with the meal plan for weight loss (and, of course, exercise plan) that you’ve been really getting some great results from.
So what are you to do? Indulge and possibly set yourself back a bit, or stay home and miss out on enjoying a great meal with that guy you’ve been talking to? The answer is neither. With this healthy eating out feature, you can have your cake and eat it too – so to speak.
Take note of the following healthy eating out tips to help you enjoy your next meal at a restaurant without forsaking your eating plan or your figure!
Healthy Eating Out:
- When ordering dishes that contain sauces, choose ones that are tomato-based instead of cream-based, as these can contain less fat and calories.
- Drink plenty of water before you order and with your meal. This will help to increase the feelings of fullness you have.
- If you must order dessert, choose low-fat dishes like fresh fruit instead of dishes that are high in processed sugars and saturated fats.
- Many restaurants (and fast-food places) have recently been implementing healthier choices as part of their menus. Before you head out, call ahead and find an establishment that has taken steps to offer a menu that suits your lifestyle.
- If you feel full and cannot eat all of the food you paid for, don’t feel compelled to finish it. Get your meal packed up and take it home with you to enjoy later.
- If you must order condiments like sour cream, salad dressings or guacamole, order them on the side and aim to use only half of the amount they give you. Or better yet, use toppings like salsa or low-calorie dressings to add flavor with fewer calories.
- Avoid all-you-can-eat restaurants – it takes a lot of willpower not to overindulge when there is so much food to enjoy.
- Try ordering an appetizer as a main meal. You’ll save money and cut down on calories by not ordering those larger-sized main dishes.
- Keep in mind when you order your meal that restaurants and their staff are working to serve you. Use a menu to serve as your guideline to help you customize the meals you want.
