Making healthy food choices when dining out can be a challenge, especially when looking at a restaurant menu for the first time. You may be tempted by all the delicious options on the menu and feel overwhelmed by the amount of choices. But with a few tips and tricks, you can find smarter and healthier ways to navigate a restaurant menu and make healthier choices. From understanding different culinary terms to skipping processed side dishes, this article will provide guidance on successfully making healthier choices when dining out.
1. Strike the Right Balance: Making Healthy Choices at Restaurants
Eating out is a great way to catch up with friends and family or simply relax after a long day. Eating in restaurants also makes it harder to stick to healthy habits. You don’t know what ingredients go into the food, or how it’s cooked. But this doesn’t mean you have to abandon healthy eating altogether. With a few simple tips, you can make healthy choices while eating out.
Order foods steamed, broiled, grilled, or baked. Order lean cuts of meat and chicken whenever possible. Ask your server to dress up plain foods with fresh herbs and spices. So you can enjoy flavorful food without all the added salt.
Swap sides. Request steamed vegetables instead of fries or mashed potatoes. Ask for fruit or a side salad in lieu of a higher-calorie side dish.
Go easy on the toppings and dressings. Avoid loading up on butter or creamy sauces. Ask for dressings and sauces on the side instead. You can always add a bit yourself if you want to.
Skip the beverages. Avoid sugary drinks, like sodas and fruit juices. Stick with water or seltzer with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Share a meal or get a to-go box. Most restaurant portions are larger than most people need. Consider sharing a meal with a friend or ordering one entrée to split. Or ask for a to-go box and take half your meal home before you start eating.
2. Unmasking the Secret Touches: Finding the Healthiest Dishes
As culinary connoisseurs, some us may think that our stomachs know exactly what’s best for us. But the truth is, our taste buds and their responses may in fact be masking some of the healthier options. It’s time to take off the mask and uncover the secret touches that will make for the healthiest dishes!
Spice It Up! Spices such as turmeric, ginger, chili powder, coriander are a great way to add flavor without using too much salt. If you’re looking for a bit of spice, cayenne pepper is always a great option for kick of flavor in an otherwise-plain dish.
Go Green! Salads are a fantastic way to get all the nutrients you need. The trick is getting creative and giving your salad a personality of its own. Try adding some fresh herbs for an extra zest of flavor, or mixing in some diced onions and cucumbers to make it a little crunchier. Don’t forget that nuts and seeds are also fantastic sources of protein and minerals.
Fruits & Grains Fruits and grains are a great combination for any meal. Instead of relying on white bread or processed cereals for breakfast, why not try a berry-filled smoothie or a steaming bowl of oatmeal? Adding some flaxseeds for extra fiber and a spoonful of honey for natural sweetness can take your everyday breakfast to the next level.
Cook with Healthy Oils The kind of oil you use to prepare your food says a lot about the dish. Olive oil is known to be one of the healthiest options, and it pairs great with pastas, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter but still full of flavor, canola oil or avocado oil will do the trick.
These tasty tips are just the beginning when it comes to finding the healthiest dishes. With a bit of creativity, and some practice in the kitchen, you can master the art of cooking healthy meals in no time!
3. Guiding Light: Tips for Eating Healthily at Restaurants
When you move out, letting go of the safety of a family-run kitchen can be daunting, particularly when it comes to eating out. Eating at a restaurant can be both exciting and dangerous, as it’s often easy to get too decadent. Still, eating out doesn’t have to mean breaking your healthy eating plan. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Go green. Salads aren’t dull, rather they’re one of your greatest choices. Whenever possible, mix things up and substitute the usual iceberg lettuce for healthier greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard.
- Dress it up smart. Most restaurants serve dressings that are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Ask for dressings to be served on the side, and use only a few spoonfuls.
- Lean proteins. It’s clear that proteins are an essential part of a balanced meal. Opt for leaner protein choices like grilled or baked fish or lean chicken. Also, watch out for the hidden fat and sauce in seafood dishes.
- Go for healthy carbs. To turn your meal healthy, swap in healthy carbs like sweet potatoes, whole wheat pasta, or quinoa. If you have the option, opt for brown rice instead of white.
- Stay away from fried. Avoid fried foods like french fries and fried chicken. If you must, split them with friends and cut down to just a few bites.
- Go for the veggies. Request for more vegetables in your meal – steamed, roasted, or grilled is always preferable. If possible, add more dark green and orange vegetables for more nutrient benefits.
When it comes to healthy eating, it helps to do your research, weigh the options, and come prepared. With a bit of effort, you can maintain your healthy eating plan even when you’re eating out. Be brave and don’t let the thought of eating out put you off a balanced diet.
4. Fueling the Journey: Strategies for Eating Healthily While Dining Out
Eating out can throw curveballs at even the most meticulous meal preppers. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help keep us eating healthily while still enjoying our favorite restaurants.
- Know What’s Good and What Isn’t: Every menu has hidden gems and pitfalls. Research menus online before committing to a meal– keeping a close eye on sodium, sugar, and refined carbohydrates.
- Start With a Soup or Salad: This will prevent us from filling up on less-than-ideal choices. Plus, by the time the main course is served, the hunger-frenzy won’t be as intense.
- Eat Mindfully: Savor every bite. This will cut back on mindless eating. Even the healthiest foods can still contain extra calories if we overindulge.
- Have Substitutes Ready: Not all restaurants cater to special dietary needs, but that doesn’t mean we have to abandon our goals. Ask for a vegan patty on a regular bun or a wrap instead of a breaded sandwich, for example.
- Substitute Fries: Many restaurants offer healthier sides like baked potatoes, sweet potato chips, or salads. Eating food in its natural form is always a good option.
Your diet is important, but eating out can add fun and flavor to life. We don’t have to sacrifice either. Plan ahead and take pleasure in making conscious choices that will keep us on track.
While restaurants may be enticing with their indulgent deserts, reducing portion sizes is another way to save calories. Order a dessert to share or ask for it to go and enjoy a smaller portion at home.
By incorporating these strategies, we can be mindful during our meal without compromising our healthy diet. Eating out healthily looks different for each person, so experiment to find what works best for you.
Whether you’re a frequent diner or only eat out on special occasions, there’s no excuse to feed your body with unhealthy foods. With a few simple menu choices, you can dine out and stay on track with your health goals. Being smart about what you order is key — and it doesn’t have to be hard! Bon appetit!
