Tips to Avoid Overeating When Dining Out

Once you made a commitment to living well, you can get excited about preparing all of your meals from scratch. However, thinking that you will never eat out again may not be sustainable, so be prepared to make healthy food choices. If you want to eat healthy and enjoy dining out at lunch or dinner, order meals that are as nutritious as the ones you would prepare at home and don’t hesitate to ask for special preparations or healthy substitutions.

As with most things for living well, moderation and sensibility rather than depriving yourself, are keys to making a healthy eating plan sustainable. You can always eat out and eat healthy without making major sacrifices. According to a study by the USDA, almost 75 percent of Americans eat at a restaurant at least once a week, and almost a fourth of the population dine outs every two or three days. So, it is crucial to avoid eating poorly, or too much.

Studies have shown the smell of food can spark the metabolic process. Making a reservation can help you reduce wait time and limit last minute decision making. Try these tips for making smarter food choices:

• Plan in Advance – Avoid the most popular meal times when the restaurant is most crowded. Typically, the longer the wait time the more inclined you may be to make poor decisions. Moreover, you can enjoy a more relaxed meal.
• Stay Hydrated – Contrary to some food myths, drinking water before, during, or after a meal will not keep your digestive system from doing its job. In fact, staying hydrated actually improves digestion and makes it easier for nutrients to enter the bloodstream.
• Ask for Substitutions – Most restaurant menus do not tell the whole story, so ask your server about how your food will be prepared and what ingredients are available. Always opt for sauces, dressings, soups, and preparations without butter or heavy cream.
• Order Colorful Foods – With so many vegetables and fruits to choose from, and with so many ways to enjoy them, it is easy to create a colorful plate that is satisfying, nutritious and delicious whenever you dine out.

There are some things you just can’t control. When eating out, it is more important to maintain the healthy habits you’re committed to than it is to make every single morsel of food you consume fit your menu plan exactly. It is true that most restaurant foods are higher in fat, salt, and sugar than homemade foods, but with a little planning, you can dine out and enjoy a guilt-free meal with friends and family.

Saving your appetite for dining out may result in overeating. During this stressful time of year, studies have shown that people who eat a healthy breakfast and lunch tend to consume fewer total calories. Our team of experienced MRC coaches will be there to support you every step of the way as you work to establish healthy eating habits to follow when preparing meals in your kitchen or dining out with friends and family. Get started today!