Eating out can be a lot of fun!
It’s exciting and relaxing. A chance to catch up with family and friends and participate in social occasions, and it’s a chance to experience cuisines and foods we may not cook up at home. So how do we enjoy dining out without getting complacent about weight gain or compromising the hard work we’ve put into our training and diet?
Whilst household expenditure on food and drinks has fallen in the past few years, our frequency in treating ourselves to a night out or indulging in restaurant meals and fast food has increased rapidly.
You can fit most of your favourite dishes into a healthy lifestyle by learning how to navigate a menu. Being selective of your food choices, being aware of healthy options (and combinations) and by making some small adjustments to the dishes, allows you to eat (almost) as you would at home, when dining out. And remember…don’t feel as though you have to finish everything on the plate just to be polite.
Following these simple tips will allow you to enjoy the occasion without the guilt!
BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU ARE ORDERING
As a paying customer, you have the right to eat not only what tastes good, but what’s good for you. By asking questions about your meal you can make more informed choices to assist your selection as well as making modifications if required.
Some questions to ask include:
– How is this dish prepared? Can it be modified?
For example: Ask for poached rather than fried, or a baked potato over fries.
– What ingredients are used?
– Ask about options such as gluten-free, low fat, vegetarian?
– What accompanies this meal – swap the bread for a salad.
– Can I make substitutions?
– How large are the portions?
Choose entree size over main where possible as you can always order more but are more likely to overeat when portion sizes are bigger.
BE THE FIRST TO ORDER
This is one of my favourite tips and one I use every time I dine out! To resist the temptation of other less healthy options, place your order first. And go one step further by closing your menu once you’ve made a decision, and repeat your selection to yourself to help you stick to it.
BE WISE WITH THE SIDE ORDERS
Forget the bread or entrees and order a serve of delicious steamed vegetables or a big leafy salad instead.
Try eating a small healthy snack such as a vegetable or protein smoothie 30 minutes before dining so you don’t arrive hungry and overeat and order a jug of water for the table to reduce consumption of sugary drinks or alcohol to quench your thirst.
Armed with a few simple tips it can be easier than ever to look forward to eating out!
Name: Ali Cavill
Title: Health & Fitness Expert and Owner of Fit Fantastic
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alifitfantastic
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fitfantastic
