I’ve got some good news and some bad news…the good news is that eating clean is a sustainable lifestyle. The bad news is that with any lifestyle change, it is easy to “fall off the wagon” once we go out to eat.
The good thing about clean eating is that it isn’t difficult to eat out with this particular lifestyle. It is actually very simple to do, no matter what restaurant you go to, as long as you keep to the basic clean eating rules. Here are some tips to follow when you want to eat out and stick to your clean eating lifestyle.
Make Your Choices Simple
When you are eating out, don’t make it complicated by choosing one of the newest skillet meals or something that requires analyzing every single piece of the meal puzzle. Instead, go for simple. This might mean simply ordering from the healthy part of the menu. For example, grilled chicken with steamed vegetables, the pan-seared salmon with brown rice, or just a salad with a healthy protein. These are simple, easy meals you know most likely include healthy, cleaner ingredients.
Look For Steak, Seafood or “Health Food” Restaurants
While it is true you can find healthy, clean meals just about anywhere (depending on where you live), it’s simpler to find a place to eat where you don’t need to substitute or change half of the meal. Steak, seafood and health food restaurants usually have entrees with a protein, veggies and a grain that you can substitute for another healthy veggie. At seafood restaurants, go for anything grilled or seared. Avoid breaded and fried, and you should be okay. Ask questions: is the salmon wild-caught or farm-raised (no on the latter)? Is the beef 100% grass-fed (that’s what we want, and more restaurants are offering 100% grass-fed beef, which is higher in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids)? Any locally-sourced produce?
Be Smart About Fast Food
There will be times when you need to choose food from a fast-food restaurant. This is definitely not ideal, but it also doesn’t have to make or break your efforts. Try to get a side salad or a salad with protein if you can, but think about the type of dressing you choose or use no dressing at all. With other menu items, do away with the bun or bread, and try to get a grilled chicken sandwich or a hamburger prepared ‘protein style’. Most fast-food restaurants will give you the sandwich with all the veggies, but no bun. Many of them wrap it in a big lettuce leaf or may serve it on a bed of lettuce.
When in Doubt, Choose a Salad
There are going to be times when you just can’t find a good entree. In this case, just try to order a salad with steak, seafood, or grilled chicken. Don’t use the dressing and skip the cheese, then ask for oil and vinegar instead of dressing.
Plan, Plan, and Plan
As my last tip for eating out – plan before you head out for dinner. Do an online search for healthy clean eating restaurants in your area. Look at the reviews and even the menus online. Don’t hesitate to call the establishment and explain to the manager that you would like to visit their restaurant but that you are on a clean eating program and have them recommend 1-2 dishes for you. They are usually more than happy to accommodate your needs.
Once you eat out a few times, you’ll be a whiz at eating out!
To Your Health,
Patti
