Drink Water When Dining Out

With today’s health-conscious world, you can find healthy foods served almost everywhere. The trick for those who choose to eat healthy is to do your research ahead of time to avoid being tempted by enticing menus. When you choose to eat out, don’t forsake the good habits that you follow at home for living well. You can always ask your server to put salad dressings and sauces on the side as well as forego the basket filled with bread.

Eating out can be tricky, so expect all sorts of temptations, and remember you can keep your weight loss goals and social life intact by making good food choices. Just don’t let eating out create a serious case of food envy. No way that you should have to worry about dining out with friends and family. It is a great way to reconnect over a good food. That said, it is important to be fully aware of your surroundings and not fall into the trap of mindless or distracted eating.

Drinking water before and throughout your meal will keep you well hydrated and help you avoid consuming unwanted calories. Try these helpful tips for making smarter food choices:

• Japanese – Research suggests miso strengthens the immune system, lowers the risk of certain types of cancer, and helps the body maintain nutritional balance. Depending upon the dish being prepared, a hibachi chef seasons food with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger but avoid sweeter teriyaki sauce.
• Mexican – Burrito bowls are as healthy as the choices you make. Keep a balance of lean protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Swapping out rice and corn for cilantro lime cauliflower rice as well as black beans for refried beans are healthy substitutions.
• Chinese – Chinese food tastes so good but many dishes feature sauces that contain lots of added sugar and salt. You should avoid thick sweet-and-sour sauces like Kung Pao chicken.
• Indian – Although chicken tikka is one of the most ordered Indian entrees, the modern recipe can contain lots of calories that come from the ghee and heavy cream ingredients. However, native Indian food with less sugar and carbs is one of the most wholesome foods.
• Italian – On most menus at Italian restaurants there is whole section devoted to healthier options for a variety of dietary needs. Unfortunately, the unlimited breadsticks are most diners Waterloo.

Keeping your commitment to eating healthy and living well does not have to be compromised when you choose to dine out. By using these tips, you will get better at spotting the best options and maintain better control what you eat. If you find yourself eating at a buffet, dismiss the all-you-can-eat mentality and you will find lots of options for eating healthy. You can always swap an extra helping of veggies in place of a protein entrée.

At MRC, our weight loss specialist will be teaching you through our menus using delicious recipes that allow you to eat real foods in a way that fuels your metabolism. You will feel in full control of your commitment for living a healthier life. Whether you are eating in or dining out, a weight loss specialist at Metabolic Research Center can personalize a menu plan that allows for personal preferences to make it easier for you to stay on track throughout the holidays.