When you eat out at a restaurant it is very easy to “splurge” when ordering from the menu, but it can be costly in terms of your daily caloric intake. It is important to order smart when eating out in order to ensure you are eating both healthy and not taking in too many calories at one meal. Below are some useful tips to use when you eat out. Just making a few of the choices listed below can save you calories and keep you eating healthy even when eating out at your favorite restaurant.
- Always order salad dressings or sauces on the side, as this way you have control over how much you add to your meal.
- When you order grilled fish or vegetables, you should ask that the food be grilled without butter or oil.
- Anytime you order pasta dishes, be on the lookout for tomato based sauces instead of the cream based sauces. Tomato based sauces are much lower in fat and calories, and tomato sauce can even be counted as a vegetable serving!
- You should always try to drink water, diet soda, or tea instead of soda or beverages that contain alcohol.
- If you order dessert, share with a friend. Half of the dessert will equal half of the calories. Or look for something with low fat, such as berries or fruit.
- When you choose a soup, remember that cream based soups are higher in fat and calories than other soups. A soup can be a great appetizer, as most are low in calories and you fill you up pretty fast.
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When ordering a baked potato, ask for salsa instead of sour cream, butter, cheese, or even bacon. Salsa is very low in calories and provides a healthy alternative with plenty of flavor and spice.
- If you get full, take half of your meal home. The second portion of your meal can serve as a second meal later. This way, you get two meals for the price of one.
- If you have a choice of side dishes, order a baked potato or steamed vegetables instead of french fries.
- Always look for food on the menu that’s baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed. These types of cooking use less fat in the cooking process and are usually much lower in calories.
- As key ingredients to your meal, choose dishes with fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables are great sources of dietary fiber as well as many vitamins and minerals.
- Choose foods made with whole grains, such as whole wheat bread and dishes made with brown rice.
It is important to keep in mind that you don’t need to deprive yourself of the foods you truly love, all types of foods can fit into a well balanced diet. The key is everything in moderation.
About the Author
Elizabeth La Ha is a self-employed blogger and author. Her educational and professional background is in Psychology, Sociology and Education. Elizabeth is also a weight loss and fitness enthusiast. When she’s not taking care of the needs of her two little ones she enjoys blogging about her journey towards “total body empowerment.”
Visit Elizabeth’s blog at www.weightlosssuccesstools.com for reviews of the latest fitness and weight loss products and programs.
Or send her an email at elizabethlaha@hotmail.com
