Stick to Your Commitments When Eating Out

If you want to eat healthier when you eat out, the problem is that most restaurant foods are higher in fat, salt, and sugar than those you prepare at home. But be mindful and a little planning can make all the difference. If possible, it is still advantageous to limit the number of times you eat out each week. As surprising as it might seem, you will actually become somewhat addicted to eating well-balanced meals prepared in your own kitchen.

All types of foods can fit into a well-balanced menu plan, so dining out can work if you practice moderation and sensibility. Many restaurants today offer healthy options that are delicious meals, however it is up to you to make wise choices. Letting someone else do the cooking can be a real treat, especially after a busy day. However, it is important to remember that portion sizes have ballooned in recent years, so plan to stop eating before your plates are empty.

Since there is apt to be a lot of distractions at the table, take at least twenty minutes to eat your food. Savoring your food and following the smart food tips listed below can help prevent overeating:

• Eating Out at Breakfast – Simply stated, people are picking up more breakfast meals on the go and eating them elsewhere. So, ingredients and food preparation methods are crucial for those trying to live well and eat healthy in the mornings.
• Eating Out at Lunch – Although it might be easy to hit the drive-thru at lunchtime, most fast food will leave you feeling hungry and crabby within a few hours of consuming it. So, avoid the temptation to stop at the vending machine or convenience store for a grab and go lunch.
• Eating Out at Dinner – You don’t have to give up eating out at dinner to keep your commitment to living well. Dining out is all about making healthy choices in what you choose to eat, how it is prepared, what the portion size looks like, and which beverage you select as a chaser.

Having dinner at someone’s house or dining out at a restaurant should never be used as an excuse to eat unhealthily. Sticking to your commitment for living well should make it easier to make good food choices. If you feel tempted to clean your plate, ask your server to remove your plate and take food home in a carryout bag. This way, you will maintain control over your portion sizes and avoid overeating in the restaurant.

An experienced weight loss specialist at Metabolic Research will coach you every step of the way providing the education and encouragement you need to make healthy food choices, so you achieve the weight loss results you desire. Whether you are eating at home or dining out at a fancy restaurant, MRC will engineer a menu plan for your body’s unique needs. Contact us today to discover how you can use our food strategies to your advantage.