Wellness :: Tips to Eat Healthy at Restaurants

Everyone loves going out to restaurants. Restaurant food is very tasty but loaded with calories, saturated fat and sugar. Yes, restaurant food is packed with hidden fats and is full of calories. If you are having trouble sticking to your diet when you are eating at your favourite restaurant you may definitely end up ruining your diet. You have to identify and recognize the hidden fats and calories and try to stay on a healthy diet even when eating out. Remember, it is possible to eat healthy restaurant food while also focusing on eating healthy.

Tips to Keep Calories Down While Eating Out:

1. Research online: Some restaurants post their menus along with the calorie count online. Decide what you are going to eat and stick to it strictly and do not be tempted by the mouth-watering descriptions. This ensures that you stay well within your calorie limit.

2. Right choice of restaurant: It is very important that you make healthy choices when you intend to go out and eat. This helps you to stick to a calorie controlled diet. It also ensures that you eat right and stay on track with your healthy eating plan. It is generally advisable to opt for a familiar restaurant.

3. Look for steamed or grilled or baked items: Watch out for unhealthy foods on the menu and choose fish, meat or vegetables that are either baked, steamed, grilled, stir fried or poached as these are the best for healthy eating. These food items contain fewer calories than the fried options or those liberally slathered with rich sauce.

4. Skip the fried items: It is best to totally avoid the fried items and to opt for salads which are a very healthy option.

5. Never starve yourself before going to a restaurant: If you are planning to go out for lunch or dinner at a restaurant it is advisable to eat a light meal beforehand. If not you will arrive at the restaurant very hungry and will definitely end up eating things that are unhealthy. If it is a buffet meal you should indulge in small portions.

6. Drink ample water: Drinking plenty of water in between the meal will give you a feeling of fullness without adding to the calories.

7. Limit alcohol: It is also advisable to reduce your intake of alcohol as it adds up to the calories.

8. Finish the meal with a black coffee or tea: Do not be tempted to order a rich, fat filled dessert. Instead opt for a black tea or coffee and before finishing the meal.

If the restaurant you choose is unfamiliar to you take a look at what others are eating. If the portions served look enormous order half the portion so that you will not be tempted to clear the plate and regret it later. Yes, regardless of what you order it is wise to use portion control to restrict your calories. With a little planning, self-control and by following the above tips you can definitely eat healthy at restaurants and still achieve a healthy diet.

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