How to Eat Healthy When Dining at Your Favorite Restaurant

When you are eating out, you probably watch your calories. But eating out is a part of life and these tips will help you make the most of it. I hope you find this information about how to eat healthy at a restaurant helpful:

Italian Restaurants

Anytime you order pasta dishes, be on the lookout for tomato based sauces instead of the cream based sauces.  Tomato based sauces are much lower in fat and calories, and tomato sauce can even be counted as a vegetable!

Salads

Always order salad dressings or sauces on the side, as this way you have control over how much you add to your meal.

Grilled Dishes

When you order grilled fish or vegetables, you should ask that the food be grilled without butter or oil, or prepared with very little or either or.

Don’t Drink Your Cals

You should always try to drink water, diet soda, or tea instead of soda or beverages that contain alcohol.

Soup

When you choose a soup, remember that cream based soups are higher in fat and calories than other soups.  A soup can be a great appetizer, as most are low in calories and you fill you up pretty fast.

Brown Vs. White

Choosing foods made with whole grains, such as whole wheat bread and dishes made with brown rice is a great way to eat healthy while eating out at a restaurant.

Use the Salsa

When ordering a baked potato, ask for salsa instead of sour cream, butter, cheese, or even bacon.  Salsa is very low in calories and provides a healthy alternative with plenty of flavor and spice.

Split Dessert

If you order dessert, share with a friend. Half of the dessert will equal half of the calories.

Eat Until Satisfied

A simple eating healthy tip is when you are full, stop eating.  Listen to your body and what it tells you.

Pack It Up

If you get full, take half of your meal home.  The second portion of your meal can serve as a second meal later.  This way, you get two meals for the price of one.

Portion Control

If you’re looking to eat less, order two appetizers or an appetizer and a salad as your meal.

Ditch the Fried Food

If you get a choice of side dishes, get a baked potato or steamed vegetables instead of french fries.

Always look for food on the menu that is baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed.  These methods of cooking use less fat in the cooking process and are usually much lower in calories.

Let Veggies Shine

As key ingredients to your meal, choose dishes with fruits and vegetables.  Both fruits and vegetables are great sources of dietary fiber as well as many vitamins and minerals.

I hope you found these tips on how to eat healthy at a restaurant helpful and you were able to get something out of it. And always remember, do not deprive yourself of the foods you truly love.  All types of foods can fit into a well-balanced diet.