Cooking at home is always best because you can control how your food is being prepared. However, after a long week of cooking, it’s nice to unwind with friends or family at a restaurant. Here are a few tips to help make healthy choices when eating out:
Pick the right restaurant. You can find something healthy at any restaurant, but make is easier on yourself by checking the menu ahead of time.
Skip the bread. It can be easy to over indulge on the basket of bread. Ask the waiter or waitress not to bring it, or limit yourselfto one.
Share a main dish. Most restaurant portions are enough for two. Share or ask for a to-go box and have the rest for lunch tomorrow.
Look for keywords on the menu. Choose dishes that are steamed, grilled or broiled and avoid foods described as breaded, fried, battered, creamed or cheesy.
Make substitutions. If possible, choose brown rice over white rice, whole wheat pasta over regular, or grilled lean meats instead of breaded.
You don’t have to abandon your goals when going out to dinner. Making a few changes to the way you order can make all the difference.
“My favorite thing to make for dinner is reservations.” Unknown