Restaurants know that the key to your heart is through your stomach. And while dining out with friends and family is a great way to reconnect, and the food and drinks are delicious, they can rack up the calories and fat you need for the day.
Eating out is usually linked to poor food choices and overeating. The good news is it’s still possible to enjoy without ruining your eating plan. All you need is to follow these clever tips to eat healthy when eating out.
1. Examine the Menu Before You Go
Most restaurants now post their menus online. Take a peek at what they have to offer before you decide which restaurant you’d like to go to. I do this all the time! Even when it’s already decided, you can still scan for the healthier options and choose your food before you arrive. When you’re hungry, you’re more likely to make unhealthy choices.
2. Have A Healthy Snack Before Going Out
If you arrive at the restaurant hungry, you’ll end up eating way too much. Having a healthy snack beforehand can help prevent this. A low-calorie, high-protein snack will make you feel full and help prevent overeating.
3. Say No to the Breadbasket
It’s easy to overeat when you dig into the breadbasket or tortilla chip bowl provided to you before your meal. If you are easily tempted, send them back and save those calories for your main meal. Should you need something to snack on right away, ask for something healthy, like a small plate of veggies.
4. Ask for Sauces or Dressing on the Side
Some restaurants don’t always indicate when they use extra sauces or butter. Avoid those unexpected extra calories by asking for your dressing on the side. Keeping it separate will make it much easier to control the amount you eat. And if you have a choice, opt for tomato- or vegetable-based sauces over creamy or cheese-based ones.
5. A Cup of Coffee for Dessert
Skip dessert with its added sugar and order a coffee or cup of tea instead. And if you must have something sweet, find a healthy frozen yogurt or ice cream (you can order a non-dairy option like coconut ice cream) place on the way home to satisfy your sweet tooth.
It’s all about making better choices, being prepared, and sticking to your guns.
[RECIPE] SPICY MANGO SALSA
This fresh mango salsa offers a nice blend of sweet and spicy flavors. It is delicious served on top of main meals and also makes a fantastic snack when served with some sweet potato or traditional tortilla chips. You’ll definitely want to give this one a try!
Prep time:10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients (use organic when possible):
- 2 medium mangos, peeled and chopped small
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped small
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced small
- 1/2 medium jalapeño, finely minced
- 3 T. fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 T. fresh lime juice
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Combine mango, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and fresh lime juice in a medium glass or other non-reactive bowls. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.
- Service immediately or cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use. Enjoy!
To Your Health,
Patti
