Tips for Healthy Eating Out
By Sara Butler
Eating out at a restaurant is a social activity. We get together with friends and family to discuss the day, share stories, celebrate, and enjoy delicious food. But if you're trying to eat a healthier diet, a restaurant can be a big speed bump on the way to a healthier you. But you don't have to give up eating out to be healthy, you simply need to know what to do and what foods to look for. Here are some tips that can help.
Research It
Chances are, you know where you're going to be eating. If you have the information ahead of time, then put your internet sleuthing skills to work by looking up the menu online. There you can get an idea of what is offered and what some of the healthier choices may be. If you find that there simply aren't good options for you at a restaurant, then it also gives you time to suggest to friends and family that you go somewhere else that does have a few more healthy options.
It's a Trap!
Most people interested in healthy eating gravitate towards a good salad when eating out, but don't be fooled. Sometimes a salad on a restaurant's menu can have just as many calories as a burger and fries -- sometimes more! If you do order a salad, ask for the dressing on the side so you can control how much goes on it.
Have a Snack
It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but if you want to maintain healthy eating habits when you go out to eat, then it's a good idea not to turn up to the restaurants starving. It's a good idea to have a smart snack before you go such as a handful of nuts or whole-grain crackers with some peanut butter or cheese. Even a banana can help fill you up a bit so you're making good decisions when you arrive.
Watch the Portions
Another pitfall at restaurants is portions. Sometimes you can get a portion that is equal to two or three times a single portion -- maybe more! Listen to your body and eat only until you feel full. To further cut down on overeating, consider splitting an entree or asking for a to-go box that you automatically put half of the dish into.
You don't have to give up eating at restaurants to be healthy. Just know what you're getting yourself into and make good choices!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Snellville, Ga.