We all eat out! Sometimes it's just easier! This post will give advice to staying on track while eating out. It is not impossible to eat healthy when going out to eat. It really is easier than you think! It's all about the little things we may have not realized before.
Tips when ordering:
*Avoid fried, smothered, breaded. These words all lead to extremely fattening foods covered in grease! They will not only make your stomach bloat, but also leave you feeling lethargic. Food is supposed to fuel us and give us energy -- not make us want to take a nap!
*Skip the bread and chips/dip. Some restaurants offer free appetizer-type foods before you receive your meal. Try to resist these as they are loaded with calories and fat.
*Ask the waiter/waitress to bring a box right when you get your meal. Pack up half of your meal immediately to save for leftovers. This will automatically keep you from eating so much (most restaurants give us entirely way too much food). OR share a meal with someone to save money!
*Drink water, iced tea (unsweetened), or coffee without extra add-ins. These drinks are lower in calorie and there's no need to get calories from unnecessary things such as drinks. *If you do want an alcoholic drink -- try vodka mixed with seltzer water and a splash of cranberry juice.
*Ask questions about the foods. If you're unsure how something is cooked (ex: cooked in oil, etc)..ask! Who cares if you're the person asking lots of questions. You have the right to know what you're putting into your body!
*Get dressing on the side. This will help you to not use so much dressing on your salads. Instead, dip your salad into the dressing gradually instead of pouring it all on! This will reduce 100 calories or more depending on the type of dressing you get!
*Avoid desserts at all costs! They are loaded with calories, fat, and sugar. Some desserts top at 1,000 calories or more! Yikes!
*Look up the nutrition on food beforehand (or while you're there). Most restaurants have their menu and nutrition information on their website. Look this up before you go and you'll have a better idea of what to order. With all of the smart phones, etc, nowadays -- this should be an easy one! It really makes you realize how many calories are in everything!
Good Restaurant Choices:
*Panera Bread -- Panera advertises calories for all of their foods right on their menu when you order! This makes it so easy to know! Avoid some of the fattier sandwiches and salads (ex: tuna salad sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, and caesar salad). My favorite things from them: Classic Salad, Half Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, Strawberry Chicken Poppyseed Salad (a summer special).
*Subway -- Subway also has a lot of their foods listed right when you're getting ready to order. Stick to wheat bread if you're getting a sandwich and avoid mayo/ranch and instead get mustard or nothing at all. If you get it heated or toasted, it will be delicious anyways without the extra sauce. Remember to also load up on veggies! As for sides, if you're going to get chips get the Baked Lay's option or Sunchips; Subway also offers apple slices and yogurt for some healthy options as well!
*Applebee's -- Applebee's has done a great job of offering their "Under 500 Calorie" meals. They are delicious! Try one next time you're in the mood for a nice sit-down restaurant!
*Cheesecake Factory -- Suprising that this one is on my list, huh?! Well, about a year ago Cheesecake Factory was noted as one of theeee worst places to eat. So, what did they do? Created lighter options! Yahoo! They have tons of lightened up appetizers (could also work for a meal), entrees, and alcoholic drinks! Just remember to avoid their cheesecake most of the time (when I want some I split it with someone and just have about 1/4 of a slice..still rich enough to curb my sweet tooth). Sometimes we just can't resist a good baked dessert!
Now you're set for the next time you go out to eat! You will be prepared and I know you'll all have the confidence to stay on track and better your health even when eating out!
I'd love to hear of any other places people enjoy eating (as a healthy option!)
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