As the holidays approach, making
dinner at home can become a drag, especially after hosting a large gathering.
While making your own meals is often considered the healthiest option, some
days you just want to eat out! Eating out doesn’t have to damage your healthy
lifestyle. In fact, there are many tactics that can be employed to make your
dining experience more nutritious, yet still delicious!
To begin, simply prepare before
eating out. If possible, plan ahead! If you know where you’re going, it is easier
to scan the menu for healthy options and determine if that particular
restaurant is the best fit. Choosing restaurants with a broad range of items
can help to ensure whoever is joining will find a satisfying option, while
still allowing you to find a dish to meet your nutrition needs. When ordering,
weigh your selections and look at the details. Look at how the items are
cooked, what they are served with or whether the restaurant has options of leaner
meat or an entrée with more balanced contents. When looking at cooking style,
remember that those items fried, scalloped, pan-fried, or stuffed are often
higher in calories, while those steamed, broiled, baked or grilled have less
calories and are considered healthier options. To avoid overly large portion
sizes and to control sodium intake, try to ask for butters, dressing, sauces
and gravies on the side. Also, don’t be
afraid to talk to your server! They have answers. If you are unsure of the
details of cooking methods or contents of a menu option based on the
description, or if you are wondering if healthier substitutions are possible, ask
your server.
Lastly, eat slowly. Enjoy the
experience. Eating slowly can also ensure that you’re not eating out of false
hunger, as it has been shown that it takes a full twenty minutes for your brain
to receive the message of fullness from your stomach. Eating quickly can
increase your chances of overeating, which can contribute to discomfort and
weight gain.
Keeping these tips in mind, you can
increase your chances of maintaining your healthy lifestyle outside of the comforts
of your own home. Bon appetite!
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