Order Colorful Foods When Dining Out

To avoid setting yourself up for failure, take a look at menu ahead of time. You are much more likely to eat healthy if you make smart food decisions before you are hungry or distracted. If not, you might regret the choices you made. There will be times when you are eating out that you want your favorite food for pleasure. If you are following healthy eating patterns the rest of the time, go ahead and do not worry about it. A well timed indulgence can be good for the soul.

One of the first decisions you will face is managing the temptation of drinking an alcoholic beverage or soda; either can leave you feeling hungrier. Staying hydrated can help in cutting excess and unwanted sugars and carbs. For some people, eating out is only an occasional indulgence while it is a way of life for others. Either way, eating healthy and living well depends on the making smart choices and eating your best even whenever you dine out.

If you take advantage of heart-healthy options or reduced-calorie menu items, you will have a head start on making smarter food choices. Also, try these tips for dining out on a diet:

• Plan in Advance – If you look online prior to dining out, most restaurants are happy to prepare a dish just for you. You can always order a salad with a plate of vegetables and smaller portion of protein prepared in olive oil without butter or creamy sauces.
• Stay Hydrated – Some cultures believe mineral water has added digestive benefits. You can order a glass with a twist of lemon or lime from the time you get to the bar and throughout your entire meal. Sipping water will help you fill up more quickly.
• Ask for Substitutions – If you don’t want to take up the table’s time when ordering, excuse yourself and speak to your server privately. Asking about portion sizes, ingredients, and food preparation methods is not out of the ordinary and substitutions can make or break your dining experience.
• Order Colorful Foods – In addition to giving fruits and vegetables their eye-catching coloration, phytochemicals make it easy to select foods that are richest in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants to order and eat healthy when dining out.

The only way you know for sure what is in your food is to ask. Moreover, how your food is prepared can literally mean a difference in hundreds of hidden calories from added sugars and unnecessary fat. Always taste your food first as even small amounts of condiments can add up quickly. Consider substituting high fat toppings with lemon juice, pepper, red wine vinegar, or mustard-based dressings.

At MRC, you learn how to select the best options when eating out while avoiding less healthy menu items. Good food is often more filling and provides larger amounts of key nutrients, protein, and fiber to keep you feeling full longer. Our team of MRC weight loss coaches will always be there to support you each step of the way as you establish new habits for eating healthy and living well. To Get Started today, click the button to find the MRC center nearest you.