It’s my mom’s birthday weekend, so we all met for dinner last night.
Going out to dinner every once in a while is one of my favorite things to do, especially if it’s a restaurant that I really like and don’t get to go to often. However, like many of us, I tend to disregard my healthy eating habits as soon as I walk through the door.
Eating out at restaurants makes sticking to a healthy diet a little more challenging. Not only are you tempted by all the unhealthy (but super delicious sounding) options, but you also have to deal with the excessively large plates that people typically mistake as one serving.
Will power is the main component to eating healthy at restaurants. You have to be okay with passing on that giant bowl of pasta or fried chicken and opting for a healthier option. You also have to keep in mind that you do not have to eat all of your food. That’s what to-go boxes are for! Trust me, you’ll feel ten times better if you don’t eat that entire steak in addition to the loaf of bread you had when you first sat down.
Another tip is to learn healthy key words. Look for menu items that are grilled and baked instead of fried. Also, try to look for choices that are more centered around vegetables.
An important thing to remember about restaurants is that you can always ask for substitutions.
For example, tonight I had a veggie burger and asked for my side of fries to be substituted with seasonal vegetables. Also, I had unsweet tea and water instead of soda.
I know I could’ve had a much healthier dinner, but another part of a healthy diet is being able to treat yourself. That is what I like to keep in mind when I’m at a restaurant. While it’s important to try and pick healthier options, it’s also important to be able to eat what you want.
What are your tips for eating healthy at restaurants? Leave your comments below.
Permanently Healthy 