7 Tips for Dining Out Healthy

A night out reconnecting with friends or family doesn’t have to wreck your healthy habits.

Use these tips to feel good about your choices.
 

• Plan Ahead
  • Check out menus online before you go. You’ll know your options, have a plan, and can  avoid giving in to bad choices if you show up to the restaurant famished.
    
• Start with Salad 
  • Start with veggies to keep from overeating once your main course arrives to the table. You’ll still want to avoid high-calorie add-ins and ask for the dressing on the side so you can control the portions.
    
• Substitute
  • Ask to substitute steamed vegetables or in-season fresh fruits instead of french fries.
    
• Avoid the "Plate of Beige"
  • Adding more color to your plate usually means eating more vegetables and fruits, which means you’re eliminating the amount of processed and fried foods you are consuming.
    
• Portions
  • Ask if you can request smaller portions of your meal. If not, ask your server for a to-go box when your meal is delivered so you can make your own portions. This is a win-win, you aren’t tempted to overeat and you get a bonus lunch or dinner to take home.
    
• Drinks
  • Skip the soda, yes, even the “diet” ones. The average glass size at restaurants is about 20 ounces, so for an idea, with every glass of Coca-Cola you drink you are consuming about 240 calories.
• Dessert
  • Suggest that the table split a dessert or if you want your own, look for items with fresh ingredients like fruits, or opt for sherbet or lower calorie items.

Sources:
https://www.coca-colaproductfacts.com/en/products/coca-cola/original/20-oz/
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/DiningOut/Deciphering-the-Menu_UCM_301469_Article.jsp#.WsKagsgh3Up
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/DiningOut/Ordering-Your-Meal_UCM_301471_Article.jsp#.WsEZ7Mgh3Up
Photo Credits:
Restaurant: Photo by Kevin Curtis on Unsplash
Salad: Photo by Abigail Keenan on Unsplash

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