Are you ready to stick to your diet and still enjoy eating out? It can be challenging to stay on track with your healthy eating goals when dining at restaurants, but it’s definitely possible. In this blog post, we will share tips for making healthier food choices when eating out, how to avoid overeating at restaurants while sticking to your diet, healthy swaps and substitutions to make at restaurants, and surviving social situations without derailing your diet.
Tips for Making Healthier Food Choices When Eating Out
1. Look for the lighter options: Many restaurants now offer lighter or low-calorie menu items that are just as delicious as their regular dishes. Be sure to look for these options before ordering.
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2. Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your server about the ingredients in a dish or how it is prepared. This way, you can make informed decisions about what you put into your body.
3. Share meals: If you’re dining with someone else, consider sharing an entree instead of getting your own. Not only does this cut down on calories, but it also saves money!
4. Skip the appetizer: Appetizers can often be high in calories and fat, so try skipping them altogether or opting for something like a salad or soup instead.
How to Avoid Overeating at Restaurants While Sticking to Your Diet
1. Use smaller plates: Instead of using large dinner plates, use smaller ones to help control portion sizes. You may find yourself feeling fuller faster with less food than usual.
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2. Take breaks between bites: Enjoy each bite slowly and take breaks between bites to give your brain time to catch up with your stomach. This helps prevent overeating and allows you to savor your meal more fully.
3. Bring leftovers home: If you know you won’t be able to finish everything on your plate, bring some of it home for later. That way, you don’t have to feel guilty about leaving food behind.
Healthy Swaps and Substitutions to Make at Restaurants
1. Trade fries for veggies: Instead of ordering French fries or other side dishes loaded with carbs, ask if they have any vegetable sides available. These tend to be lower in calories and higher in fiber, which makes them great for weight loss.
2. Opt for grilled or roasted proteins: Grilled chicken breast or fish fillet are usually lean sources of protein that are much better for you than fried or breaded options.
3. Request dressings and sauces on the side: Dressings and sauces can add a lot of extra calories to your meal, so request them on the side so you can control how much you use.
Surviving Social Situations Without Derailing Your Diet
1. Plan ahead: Before attending a party or event where there might not be many healthy options available, eat a light snack beforehand to curb hunger. Then, focus on filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables and choosing lean protein sources.
2. Bring a dish: If you’re hosting a gathering, consider bringing a healthy dish that everyone can enjoy. This ensures that there will be at least one option that fits within your dietary guidelines.
3. Practice moderation: Remember that it’s okay to indulge occasionally, especially if it means enjoying a special occasion with loved ones. Just be mindful of portions and practice moderation.
