Want to eat healthy while enjoying a night out? Here are 12 easy ways to eat healthy at restaurants.
Eating out is fun. You get to see your friends and family, share stories, and have a great time all while trying new delicious foods you would otherwise never make yourself. Sometimes though, we try to make smart choices about what we’re putting in our bodies, and the limits we put on ourselves for what we can and can’t eat make it difficult to enjoy a night out. It doesn’t have to be this way though, and really, it comes down to making the right choices rather than completely giving up the foods you love.
Here are 12 easy ways to eat healthy at restaurants:
1. Read the menu beforehand
This is one of the best things you can do to eat healthy when dining out. By looking at the menu online before you go, you can show up with a plan in mind which will keep you from ordering anything unhealthy. Another tip is to order before others, that way you aren’t tempted by what your friends and family are ordering.
2. Don’t go hungry
Going hungry to a restaurant is one of the worst things you can do. By showing up with ferocious hunger and an empty stomach, you are practically signing up to overindulge and make poor eating choices. This is otherwise known as being in “survival mode” – when your body craves food and lots of it. When we’re in this state we also tend to crave unhealthy foods, and ultimately, any attempt at making healthy choices while eating out is well, no more.
3. Stay hydrated
Did you know that drinking more water is associated with eating fewer calories? If you drink water before every meal, you are much more likely to feel full and eat less food. When you drink water throughout your meal, it actually aids in digestion by breaking down food so that its nutrients can easily be absorbed by the body. And finally, drinking water after eating a meal does exactly the same – it promotes smooth digestion, keeps you hydrated, and leaves you feeling full.
4. Watch the wording
When deciding what to eat while dining out, look for words such as grilled, baked, broiled, or roasted. These cooking methods are typically healthier than others since they require less fat to prepare, but still, it’s always best to ask! Never be afraid to communicate with your server about your needs and preferences, so feel free to specifically ask how a meal is prepared – I find that staff want to do their best to accommodate you and give you a great experience.
5. Keep portion size in mind
Portion size plays a significant role in weight loss. Most restaurants plate their meals with portions that are two or three times larger than the recommended serving size. For many of us, we don’t even realize how much we’re eating especially when we’re out with friends and family having a great time. Our tip: When your food arrives, portion out how much you want to eat at the moment, and how much you want to take home with you.
6. Try eating slower
When you eat too fast, your brain doesn’t have enough time to realize you’re full which leads to overeating. The best thing you can do is pause and put your fork down between bites, take sips of water throughout your meal, and eat smaller pieces of food.
7. Ask for substitutes
For some of us this can be nerve wracking, but it really isn’t a big deal! As long as you’re kind and polite, there is nothing wrong with asking for more vegetables, sauce on the side, or very little seasoning. And guess what, if you really fear being that person just excuse yourself to the restroom and catch up with your server and mention your requests.
8. Eat vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals that not only improve metabolism and fat burn, but also contribute to an overall healthier life. They also help keep you full for longer due to their fiber and water content which makes them a perfect choice when deciding what to order.
9. Order salad first
Similar to our last tip, ordering a salad first can be an absolute power move if you are trying to be healthy while eating out. By filling up on nutritious fiber first, you are less likely to dive head first into the bread basket and eat less of the “not as good for you” foods. Bonus tip: Always ask for the dressing on the side and avoid creamy options, instead, opt for a vinaigrette.
10. Opt for simple beverages
Water is always the winner for us here because it’s zero calories, helps your metabolism, and prevents overeating. But, we understand if you want something different from time to time. If this is the case, opt for sparkling water or an alcoholic beverage free of added sugar.
11. You guessed it, skip dessert
Desserts can pack a ton of calories for just one small serving. We know it’s hard, but guess what…if you really want a little indulgence, ask your friends to split with you! Dividing up a dessert is a great way to have a treat without overdoing it.
12. Enjoy yourself!
Eating out is fun, and we should never have to choose between being social and leading a healthy lifestyle. It may seem daunting to make healthy choices outside of your home, but there really are so many simple (and delicious) choices you can make to eat healthy while dining out.
This post was all about how to eat healthy at restaurants.
