Health Conscious Diners Can Eat Out While Living Well

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. Remember that you can always ask your server to assist with making your meals healthier when eating out. Most chefs allow diners to order off menu and will prepare a savory dish with healthy food choices similar to those you use at home.

Healthy eating when dining out requires a little extra forethought, planning and discipline but there are so many restaurants that cater to health-conscious consumers nowadays that you can dine out while living well. 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.

To avoid making snap decisions while distracted by table talk, scanning the menu and reading nutritional information before you arrive can help you avoid impulse ordering. Try these tips the next time you’re dining out:

• Japanese – An avocado roll contains the least calories but the Japanese concept of eating until you’re only eighty percent full is not a gimmick and proven formula for healthy eating.
• Mexican – Your best options at a Mexican restaurant are fajitas made with grilled shrimp, meats, or vegetables and a bowl of steamed rice. Veggie, shrimp, or chicken filled green enchiladas with a sprinkle of cheese are okay, too.
• Chinese – It you are craving orange chicken then prepare it in your own kitchen using healthier methods for preparation. The crispy texture and sweet sauce in most Chinese restaurants is loaded with fats, carbs, and sugar. Plus, you can prepare a better version of fried rice that’s loaded with healthier ingredients.
• Indian – Avoid samosas. They are appetizing but do not contain healthy calories and are deep fried. Indian breads (naan) are often stuffed with potatoes or coconut and topped with lots of butter.
• 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. Don't assume you're limited to exactly what you see on a restaurant's menu. Most chefs are more than happy to prepare a dish to suit your specific dietary needs.

Too often, weight loss only gets you to your goal weight and the program does not provide the additional support or guidance for what comes next. In the end, this can lead to lost weight being gained back because not eating out is simply not sustainable. When you work with a weight loss specialist at MRC, one bad day doesn’t mean you are going to spiral back into the cycle weight gain that you may have experienced before. We provided the support and encouragement to keep living well on track.