When trying to eat a bit healthier but still wanting to enjoy time with family and friends, it can sometimes be difficult to go out to eat. There are so many temptations, there is alcohol, there are chips and dip and bread, but guess what? Eating out doesn't have to be difficult? You just have to look at it differently!
Here is what you can do when you go out to eat to not eat everything in sight and to make healthier choices!
1. Skip the bread and butter. If there is an appetizer option for hummus and vegetables/pita bread, order that instead! The vegetables and hummus are more filling and provides many more nutrients than the bread would!
Other healthier appetizer options: shrimp and cocktail sauce, clams, steamers, plain chicken wings, even just a handful of peanuts or pretzels!
Here is what you can do when you go out to eat to not eat everything in sight and to make healthier choices!
1. Skip the bread and butter. If there is an appetizer option for hummus and vegetables/pita bread, order that instead! The vegetables and hummus are more filling and provides many more nutrients than the bread would!
Other healthier appetizer options: shrimp and cocktail sauce, clams, steamers, plain chicken wings, even just a handful of peanuts or pretzels!
2. When ordering a cocktail or drinks, opt for lighter options. For instance, order a Mich Ultra instead of a Bud Light. Instead of a sugary mixed drink, order an alcohol mixed with seltzer water and a splash of lime juice. Avoid sodas altogether!
3. When ordering your meal, order a salad to start. This can fill you up a bit before you go devouring a whole burger or steak or whatever you fancy. Salads fill you with important nutrients and prevent overeating.
4. When ordering your dinner, opt for a salad with a source of protein and salad dressing ON THE SIDE. Restaurants love to overload your salad with dressing, and that's obviously not good.
Sources of protein: shrimp, salmon, chicken, steak tips, mushrooms
5. Choose baked or gilled instead of fried ALWAYS! For instance, if you want fish tacos and there is an option of baked or grilled or fried fish, go with the baked or grill! If chicken on a salad can be friend or grilled, go with grilled!
6. Order a source of protein with rice and vegetable or potato and vegetable and avoid french fries or onion rings! For example, grilled salmon with rice and broccoli or grilled chicken with baked potato and green beans. Avoid adding butter and sour cream to your potato and stick with a light sprinkling of salt and some pepper!
7. Finally, avoid dessert, and if you opt for dessert, split it with everyone at the table! You eat much less and still satisfy that sweet craving!!
I hope this helped you learn how to make better choices when eating out. It doesn't have to be rocket science. Also, if you don't go out a lot and eat fairly healthy all week, enjoy that burger and fries or that juicy steak and mashed potatoes or that fried fish. It's all about moderation!
Have a good night :)