When you eat out at restaurants, it is important that you are careful when selecting dishes. Try not to reward yourself or family members with food. It is important to reward success, just not with food. When dining out, there is always a healthy option that can be chosen. Restaurants do not have to be avoided.
Don't Be Shy
Remember that you are the customer. Most restaurants want to make sure that customers are happy. Requests can be made that will be better for your health. Ask questions about food items and don't be intimidated by the menu. Order low-fat or low-calorie food items. Ask for salad dressing on the side or opt for a low-fat dressing, such as vinegar and light oil. Trim visible fat off poultry and red meat. Ask the restaurant to avoid adding butter, gravy or sauces to your entrée. As a customer, try not to get discouraged. If you look, you will likely find several healthy choices.
Read Menu Carefully
Many restaurants have added healthy menu options to accommodate health-conscious customers. Look for lower-calorie food items that might be marked on the menu. Look for words on the menu that indicate food was prepared using low-fat cooking methods, such as "steamed," "garden fresh," "broiled," "baked," "poached" or "lightly sautéed." Beware of foods that are high in calories, fat or saturated fat. Avoid eating foods that are served in a butter sauce or cream cheese sauce. Avoid "fried," "crispy" or "sautéed" foods. These are food items high in fat and calories.
Healthy Choices
Portion sizes can be reduced. Try just ordering appetizers as the main meal, or even split a large entrée with a friend. If the restaurant does not offer smaller portion sizes, just ask for a take-out box before eating your food. You can avoid the temptation of eating the entire serving by putting half of it away first. When ordering, search for whole grain options. Whole grain breads, cereal, pasta and rice have more nutrients than white grains. Do not fill up on beverages that are high in calories. Soft drinks, lemonade and sweetened tea all contain high amounts of sugar with few if any nutrients. Opt for water with lemon and ice, 100 percent juice or iced tea without added sugar. Drinking alcohol at restaurants might increase your calories more than you think. Alcohol consumption should be done in moderation for your health as well as safety.
Desserts
Many people love to have something sweet after meals. It's important to eat sweets in moderation. If you are watching your weight or have a desire to eat healthy when dining out, opt for a healthy dessert option. Choose fresh fruit to quench your sweet tooth. You can also ask the waiter for bite-size dessert items if available. Choose nonfat frozen yogurt or sherbet. If you like to drink coffee with your dessert, ask for low-fat milk instead of cream or half-and-half.
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