If you want to improve your health, you should consider changing the way you eat. It’s much easier to follow your healthy eating principles when you are in the kitchen. This is especially true if you’re trying to eat healthily on a budget. Most of us do not eat all meals at home.
It’s a great way to catch up with old friends or celebrate a special occasion with family and loved ones.
Can you eat healthy at restaurants?
Why it’s difficult to eat healthily when you dine out
We all know to avoid deep-fried foods or meals laden with cheese. Other choices are more difficult.
It’s possible to choose a healthy salad, only to discover that it is one of the unhealthy salads with a lot of fat and calories. Most restaurants do not provide nutritional information. You might be forced to eat at a restaurant that offers very few healthy choices.
There’s also the social pressure and fear that we might be perceived as being different or uncooperative.
It’s hard to tell how food is prepared when you dine out. In most restaurants, chefs are tasked with making food as cheaply as possible while still maintaining a high level of quality. This often involves using low-quality oils, excessive salt and ingredients like cheese, dressings, and breading to flavor dishes at a cheap price.
Even if you are eating out, you can still make healthier decisions. Learn how to eat healthy when you’re out.
15 Tips for How to Eat Out Healthy
1. Menus are available in advance
You can check the menu before you go to a restaurant if you know where you will be eating. Fast casual healthy restaurants provide nutritional information, which makes it easier to choose a healthier option.
2. Contact us with any questions
You can ask questions about the menu online but cannot find nutritional information. Call ahead to make any special requests or to get more information.
The restaurants are more aware of allergies, and can cater to dietary needs. This will take some of the pressure off when ordering and make it easier for the staff who may feel overwhelmed by a lot of questions.
3. Select restaurants that offer healthier food
The restaurants that promote local food, farm-to table dishes, and organic foods are more likely to use higher-quality ingredients. They will also be more accommodating of special requests. Here are ten chain restaurants that you should not eat at!
4. Grab a snack before you leave
When you are hungry, you will make more unhealthy decisions. Have a snack that will fill you up about an hour prior to leaving, such as a hard-boiled eggs, hummus with vegetables, or dried fruit and nuts mix. You won’t feel tempted to order the entire menu if you have some food in your stomach.
5. Paleo is the new way to eat out
When dining out, adopting a Paleo Diet can help you eliminate many problematic ingredients. These include refined carbohydrates such as pasta, rice and sugary items. You’ll be able to focus on delicious meats and vegetables instead.
6. How food is prepared
Some cooking methods are better than others. You should look for meals that have been baked, braised or broiled, grilled or poached. If the meal is deep-fried, battered and breaded, or coated, alarm bells should sound.
7. Get to know your server
Ask if you are unsure. The majority of servers will accommodate your requests, as long as they are reasonable. Most servers will gladly accommodate your requests (within reason, of course!) Tipp well to show your appreciation for the extra help.
8. Bread baskets are no longer acceptable
A restaurant’s bread basket is one the worst things they can do. This is a great way to consume empty calories even before you receive your meal. Avoid the bread basket, salted nuts, tortillas and other tempting items.
9. Fill with salad
If you select the right salad, it’s a great way to start your meal. Choose salads that are packed with greens, nuts and seeds as well as raw vegetables. Ask for a dressing with oil and vinegar or choose a dressing that is on the side.
Salads with bacon, croutons and mayonnaise-based dressings are loaded with sugar and calories.
10. Skip the soup
Soups may seem healthy, but most restaurants use cream, butter, and cheese in order to achieve a velvety texture. You’re better off avoiding soups, unless they’re broth-based, such as minestrone.
11. Healthy swaps
Ask for a curry with vegetables rather than rice. Skip the chips and tortillas when you go to Mexican food and opt for meats, salsas, and guacamole. Or, ask for a fajita with extra vegetables and no rice.
What about a burger? Instead of French fries, choose a salad or side dish that is more healthy. Enjoy the main course and swap out the unhealthy parts with something more waist-friendly.
12. Buy vegetables with that
The majority of us don’t eat enough vegetables every day. When you go out to eat at a restaurant, add more vegetables to your meal! It’s easy to get more nutrients by asking for double, or even triple the amount of vegetables. This is my favorite trick when asked about how to eat healthy out.
13. Avoid sugary drinks, and drink plenty of water
Why drink calories when you could eat them instead? Instead of sodas and fruit juices, drink water during your meal. You’ll feel more full and eat less, as your brain will get the message.
14. Choose alcohol wisely
Choose a dark beer or red wine, as these can be healthy. You can also choose lighter colored alcohols, with mixers such as soda water or fresh lime. Avoid sugary cocktails and mixers, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and lead to a hangover the next morning.
Remember to drink alcohol in moderation, no matter what you choose. Even a few pints or glasses of wine can add up to the calories in a meal before you even eat a thing.
15. Share or create a main course
If you are in a restaurant, the portion sizes can be huge. You’re more likely to consume it all if you see it. Share a meal with a friend to save money and reduce calories.
You can also create your own meal by ordering an appetizer with a side. Most restaurants have a variety of veggie sides that are large enough to satisfy the most hungry eaters.
