Try to Eat Your Dinner Meal Early

When it comes to dining out, it is important that you’re not famished before you leave for the restaurant. Never use fasting or skipping a meal as a precursor to eating out. Depriving your body can lead to overeating once you’re distracted by friends and family. Remember that alcoholic drinks are filled with empty calories. Start with a large glass of water and then sip on a nice glass of wine or a skinny cocktail during your meal. Portion sizes at the bar mean just as much as they do at the table.

Whenever possible try to eat earlier, especially for your dinner meal. Restaurants are often less crowded, which allows for a more relaxed experience. Plus, waiting for table often leads to poor pre-meal choices. Most Europeans swear by sipping on water or mineral water with a slice of lemon or lime for extra flavor. It can have a triple effect in keeping you hydrated, quenching your thirst, and giving you something to do rather than distracted nibbling.

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 – When eating out at a Japanese restaurant, ask you server about food preparation methods and sauces in regard to added sugar and sodium. Edamame and miso are both made from protein-rich soy and steamed dumplings are low in calories.
• Mexican – Fajitas with a lean protein like shrimp or chicken combined with vegetables like bell peppers and onions use grilling, which is one of the healthiest cooking methods available. Nonetheless, hold the cheese and opt for soft tortillas.
• Chinese – When eating at a Chinese restaurant, your server can help with creating healthier versions of your favorites. Steamed dishes are the best but stir-fries that include vegetables and are cooked in lighter oil are okay. Beware of sauces and dips that can contain lots of sugar, sodium, and fat.
• 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 – Eating Italian can be tricky. To eat healthy, you have to avoid rich foods smothered in creamy cheese, high in fat, sodium, and calories. Also, watch for unlimited breadsticks and oversized servings.

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. Nowadays, restaurants serve huge portions that are sometimes enough for two or three people. Avoid the "clean your plate" mentality when dining out and bring leftovers home for another meal.

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.