Eat Slowly When Dining Out to Enjoy Each Bite

To avoid setting yourself up for failure, take a look at menu ahead of time. You are much more likely to eat healthy if you make smart food decisions before you are hungry or distracted. If not, you might regret the choices you made. There will be times when you are eating out that you want your favorite food for pleasure. If you are following healthy eating patterns the rest of the time, go ahead and do not worry about it. A well timed indulgence can be good for the soul.

Opting for healthier cooking methods when eating out can help reduce your intake of fat, carbs, and sodium. Most foods that are crispy, crunchy, or sauteed will usually contain more calories, so choose wisely. Being mindful of your manners can help you eat less and enjoy it more. Eating slowly is polite and better for your digestion. Moreover, chewing each bite thoroughly slows down the time it takes to eat, like crab legs that are more difficult to eat.

If you take advantage of heart-healthy options or reduced-calorie menu items, you will have a head start on making smarter food choices. Also, try these tips for dining out on a diet:

• Plan in Advance – If you have already planned your meals for the week, take a look at an online menu to pick dishes that are similar to what you would have been eating at home. That way you can enjoy eating out and socializing without sabotaging your progress.
• Stay Hydrated – Eating plenty of water-filled fruits and vegetables is a healthy way to maintain weight and support your commitment to living well. Staying hydrated helps to flush toxins from your body and gives a boost to the metabolism.
• Ask for Substitutions – Many dieters think that eating out is the source of all evil; but it doesn’t have to be. Making a few substitutions to ingredients and meal preparation methods should allow you to make healthy choices off most menus.
• Order Colorful Foods – Even though you might have forgotten your reading glasses, when eating out, opting for natural colors on your plate will increase your chances of consuming healthier foods with more nutrients and vitamins.

Since you can expect a few extra calories even when you order healthy options at a restaurant, a key to managing your dining experience is to control what you drink. Try to avoid sugary or fat-laden liquid calories by drinking water or unsweetened tea. Although eating out is often linked to poor food choices, it doesn’t have to be. If you follow a smart approach, you can maintain healthy eating habits wherever you decide to dine.

At MRC, you learn how to select the best options when eating out while avoiding less healthy menu items. Good food is often more filling and provides larger amounts of key nutrients, protein, and fiber to keep you feeling full longer. MRC provides the highest quality nutritional support available to boost your metabolism and keep you in control of your food choices whether you are eating in or dining out.