Eating Healthy While Eating Out

Today, the average American eats the majority of his or her meals from a restaurant, and most family meals are no longer cooked in the home. This trend is responsible for many of the weight problems in America.

Eating most of your meals out means you’re putting a lot of food in your body with unknown calorie, fat, and sodium content. Not to mention the portion sizes are giving us more than twice the food we really need!

The good news is that it can be easy to make smart choices when dining out. Here’s my short list of simple ways to eat out and not pack on the pounds.

1. Eat something before you leave the house. A small piece of fruit or some trail mix should stave off hunger pangs. When you have something in your stomach, you won’t be reaching for the bread and butter while waiting for your entree to arrive. Have no time to munch before eating out? Order a small house salad right away with the healthiest dressing available (this basically includes any dressing without the words “creamy” or “cheese” in it).

2. Ask the waiter to remove the bread basket. If you remove the bread, you won’t be tempted. If someone at your table wants the bread, then ask that person to keep the basket on their side of the table (trust me, it helps).

3. Order a side of veggies and make sure they’re steamed. A lot of restaurants cook their veggies with a lot of oil or butter, adding unwanted calories to your healthy side dish. If you get to choose a second side, order more veggies. They are tasty, filling, and you’ll be glad you did it.

4. Share your entree with someone. As noted before, the portion sizes served at restaurants today are gargantuan; splitting your main course with someone else will leave your tummy satisfied, reduce your food intake and your bill.

5. It’s okay to splurge. Once in a while. If you are in the mood for a little treat, either have a glass of wine or split a dessert with your dinner companion. If you decide on that glass of wine, then skip the dessert!