Order Extra Veggies Will Help Fill You Up

There is often an abundance of unhealthy choices that can be tempting to anyone who is dining out but committed to watching what they eat. But sticking to your plan doesn’t have to be difficult, if don’t mindlessly overindulge. Don’t be shy when eating out. Restaurants are usually happy to accommodate their health conscious diners. Let your server staff fit a meal into your plans for eating healthy.

Not everything about a dish is obvious from its menu listing, so never hesitate to ask your server about food preparation and overall ingredients as part of your due diligence. Restaurants today cater to health-conscious consumers. Be careful about how you use condiments and toppings. Lightly dressing your salad and dipping your food in a sauce is a lot healthier than drenching your food. Remember that anything ketchup based contains a lot of added sugar.

Before you leave for the restaurant, remember that eating lean proteins and extra vegetables will help you feel satisfied without having to fill up on empty carbs. Try the tips discussed below for dining out while living well:

• Japanese – The method for cooking Teriyaki and Hibachi is the same but Hibachi uses soy sauce, whereas Teriyaki cuisine is prepared using sweeter and more seasoned sauces that are higher in calories.
• Mexican – If you need to make healthy choices at a Mexican restaurant, choose soft over crunchy, hold the cheese, and opt for chicken or shrimp fajitas grilled with peppers and onions. Pass on the chips and salsa… and drink water.
• Chinese – When eating or ordering Chinese takeout, both rice and pasta can be enjoyed in tempered moderation as part of your plan for eating healthy. However, either should be steamed. Rice is lower in total carbs, but pasta often contains more protein and fiber.
• Indian – Indian food is among the most delicious cuisine in the world. However, it uses high amounts of carbohydrates and fats. A practice that is not just limited to restaurants or fast-food, even homemade Indian food is often less than healthy.
• Italian – Eating Italian can be tricky. To eat healthy, you have to avoid rich foods smothered in creamy cheese, high in fat, sodium, and calories. Also, watch for unlimited breadsticks and oversized servings.

When you are adjusting to eating healthy, it is always easier to prepare your meals at home rather than dine out, but likely not sustainable. At MRC, we prepare you for what to expect the next time you meet someone for lunch or need to dine out. Since you know that most restaurants serve two to three times the amount of food that you actually need, it is your responsibility to what you consume as a normal serving. You can always ask for doggy bag even before the food gets to the table.

Metabolic Research Center has been helping people just like you to eat healthy for over 40 years. Our science-based approach to living well provides the one-on-one support you need to succeed, and our plans can work for your entire family. Teaching you how to live well through our personalized menus and one-on-one coaching is how we help to maximize your success in both your kitchen and when dining out at your favorite restaurant.