Most people think that going out to eat needs to be a diet disaster. I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be!
There are ways that you can prepare yourself and order healthy so you can stick to your diet. Yippee! Here on my tips on how to eat healthy at a restaurant!
Before you go to the restaurant, check out their website to see the menu and to see if they have their calorie counts on the menu. If they do, great! If they don’t, look around to see what kinds of foods are listed. Salads? Grilled fish? Think about what you want BEFORE you get there and are temped by what others order.
Once you arrive, avoid that breadbasket. Request that they don’t even bring it! Remove that temptation.
Order your drink. Stick with water. Zero calories and free =)
Start off your meal with a salad (sans croutons/cheese and dressing on the side) or a broth based soup.
Don’t be afraid to ask for something off of the menu. Most places are very accommodating. Anytime I go to a Japanese place I ask for steamed shrimp and veggies with the teriyaki sauce on the side. ALWAYS GET THE SAUCE ON THE SIDE! The sauce can add hundreds of calories to your meal.
Avoid anything breaded, battered, fried, sautéed, etc. That means high fat content that you don’t need! Ask for grilled or steamed.
Ask for double the veggies instead of a starch! You don’t need that white rice. Double steamed veggies = more nutrients for you AND less calories.
Don’t be afraid to order off the appetizer menu. Usually they are half the portion. OR split your entree with someone.
Bring a piece of gum to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whatever you do, don’t look at that dessert menu. Avoid that temptation.
Good job, you did it!
