Make Smart Beverage Choices to Go with Your Meal

Focus on the event of dining out instead of the food. If you make enjoying the company of your friends or loved ones the main reason for eating out, it will be easier to make smart food choices by basing your decisions on choosing healthier items to round out your meal. Remember that alcoholic drinks are filled with empty calories. Portion sizes at the bar mean just as much as they do at the table.

Studies have shown that it is difficult for most people to distinguish between thirst and hunger. Keep yourself well hydrated and try to drink a glass of water when you first sit down at the table before you eat anything else. Practicing a few self-disciplines means you can keep your social life intact without sacrifice to your goals for living healthy and eating well. Nonetheless, you have to make strategic menu choices based on the venue.

Although it is more difficult to know what goes into a dish, eating out is fun and helps to keep your social life intact. Nonetheless, you must hold yourself accountable for making smarter choices like those listed below:

• Japanese – If you order hibachi at Japanese restaurant, choose a lean protein like chicken, seafood, shellfish, or all vegetables with whole wheat noodles, steamed rice, or egg yolk fried rice, and pass on dipping sauces.
• Mexican – Grilled vegetables and proteins with a side of black beans is generally some of the lowest calorie foods offered at a Mexican restaurant. Say no to the chips, limit margaritas to one, and pass on the refried beans.
• Chinese – While many Chinese dishes are bad for weight (carbs and fat) and blood pressure (high sodium content), there are options for eating healthier like steamed vegetable-rich entrees or stir-fried greens.
• 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 – It has been said that the way to eat healthy at an Italian restaurant is to pick one indulgence, consume enough to satisfy your craving, and finish your meal with healthier options for your protein and vegetables.

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. When dining out, look for side dishes and entrées that are made with whole grains, such as barley or quinoa. Many restaurants today are now offering whole grain buns, wraps and crust as a better option for eating healthy.

At Metabolic Research Center, we believe that eating out should be an enjoyable experience. If you do your homework and ask the right questions, you will find that it is easier than you thought to make healthy food choices. 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.