Make Eating Out a Special Treat

Restaurants make sure food looks, smells, and tastes great, which can mean dishes are filled with rich, creamy, or buttery foods. Since vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are often overlooked, nutrition can be lost. Eating out can be a special treat when it is not convenient to prepare your meal at home. However, it should not be considered a free-ticket to abandon your new eating habits or endanger your commitment to living well.

Since it is always best to finish eating your last meal at least two hours before bedtime, opt to dine out earlier for dinner. It will also help you avoid stressful, crowded waits. A simple way to ensure you are honoring reasonable portion sizes is to leave food on your plate, especially for questionable items. Rather than be tempted to nibble, ask your server to remove your plate at the appropriate time.

Choosing a restaurant that is better suited for your goals of living well can make it easier to navigate dining out. Try following these tips to ensure you pick from the best food options:

• Plan in Advance – If you have questions about the ingredients or preparation method used for any option you are considering, ask your server. Most restaurants today will accommodate substitutions and special requests.
• Stay Hydrated – As long as you take it slowly, drinking water before or during your meal has no known digestive downsides. Water is absorbed in the stomach fairly quickly and does not hamper enzyme activity or interfere with digestion of food.
• Ask for Substitutions – A simple way to reduce calories, saturated fat, added sugar and salt is to ask for substitutions and changes to food preparation methods. In some cases, a restaurant will make half-portions of popular dishes.
• Order Colorful Foods – According to any food pyramid, you should be eating up to nine servings of vegetables and fruits each day. Ordering a colorful plate of food when dining out will ensure you are consuming vitamins, nutrients, and fiber.

Saving your appetite for dining out may result in overeating. Dining out doesn't have to cause you to lose control of your plans for healthy eating. If you follow smart eating strategies, you can become very adept at selecting the best menu items and right-sized portions. 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.

During this stressful time of year, studies have shown that people who eat a healthy breakfast and lunch tend to consume fewer total calories. Slow down when you eat. Take your time and indulge all your senses with a colorful arrangement of food that satisfies the eye. Savor each bite and lay down your fork in between bites. For optimal support during the holidays contact Metabolic Research Center today.