7 Tips for Eating Out

Eating out on the weekend and staying healthy can be a burden for some people that have been putting a great amount of effort to eat clean during the week. Huge portions, temptations, and even peer pressure can sabotage your healthy eating patterns when dining out. While a casual splurge is totally acceptable and even encouraged, you can still eat a hearty, nutritious meal if you know what to look for. Nowadays, many restaurants offer meals that are low in trans-fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Here are seven tips that will guide you in making smarter choices when dining out, so the only thing that you have to worry about is who will pay the check!
• Opt for water, unsweetened tea, or other drinks without added sugar when ordering a beverage.
• Try to start your meal with a broth-based soup or a salad packed with greens. And make sure to order the salad dressing on the side.
• Instead of having an entrée, order an appetizer as your main dish. Or, share a main dish with a friend to save on calories.
• Avoid at all costs all-you-can-eat buffets or specials since you are more likely to overeat.
• Try to stay away from meals that are served au gratin, pan-fried, fried, crispy, sautéed, buttered, creamed, or stuffed (very high in calories and fat). Order instead meals that are broiled, steamed, grilled, baked, roasted, or poached for a healthier choice.
• Avoid ordering “extras” before your actual meal; like bread and cocktails, since these are often sources of extra calories and fat.
• If skipping a drink is not an option, or you are celebrating something special, drinks like pina coladas and margaritas have as many calories as a complete meal! Stick to a light beer or dry wine instead.
SOURCES
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/tips-for-eating-out.html
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/DiningOut/Dining-Out-Tips-by-Cuisine_UCM_308333_Article.jsp
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/9-tricks-to-staying-healthy-when-eating-out.html#b