3 Ways to Eat Out to Control Obesity

1. Choose a Specialty Restaurant that Serves Healthy Dishes

If you are trying to control your weight, going out to eat can feel like venturing into a minefield. Obesity is often a result of making bad choices when it comes to food. Couple this with the uncertainty of how foods are prepared at restaurants or fast-food establishments, and you have a recipe for diet failure. One method of countering this is to go to restaurants that specialize in healthful fare. In a culture that is becoming more concerned with good health, specialty restaurants that offer delicious low-calorie, low-fat options are popping up in most communities. You can also find vegetarian restaurants that offer good choices. When you are able to select a meal prepared in a healthy manner, you can order confidently.

2. Frequent Restaurants that Let You Customize Your Meals

Many people don't know that restaurants will often let you customize your meals based on your dietary requirements. Although most restaurants have set menus, you can usually alter the manner in which a dish is prepared. If you want to have an item grilled instead of fried, or you want your broccoli steamed instead of covered in a cheese sauce, you usually only have to ask. Likewise, you can often ask for items like grilled chicken breasts, fish and vegetables, even if they aren't on the menu. These are staples in many kitchens and are usually no problem for cooks to prepare. Once you establish a good relationship at a restaurant, you may find that its staff will be happy to provide you with healthy alternatives and may even add some to the menu.

3. Visit Restaurants that Allow You to Fix Your Own Plate

One of the simplest methods of controlling obesity while eating out is to go to restaurants where you can fix your own plate. These are usually buffet-style establishments that offer a large variety of foods, including healthy options. You will typically find ingredients that enable you to fix wonderful salads or fill up on fresh fruit. You may also find grilled meats cooked without fattening sauces. One last tip is to take along your own fat-free salad dressings, as well as salt and sugar replacements if you aren't sure that the restaurant you are visiting offers them. You can easily and inconspicuously take them out when it is time to eat, maintaining your eating plan away from home.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

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