Avoid the All You Can Eat Bottomless Plate Mentality

Eating out is a treat and, once in a while, it can be a convenient option when you travel or don’t have time to cook your own meal. Taking time to study the menu, can help you avoid excess fat, calories, sugar, and salt. Just because you’ve made a commitment to living well, it is not realistic to assume you will never eat out again. While dining out may not be as healthy as cooking your own food, there are numerous ways to make healthy food choices.

Naturally you want to avoid “all you can eat” options but bottomless salads are a good option as long as you choose your toppings wisely. Just avoid any temptation to eat more than you intended. 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.

When dining out, start with a salad or eat your vegetables first. This will help you feel full sooner and ensure you’ve prioritized foods that provide healthy nutrients. Try the food strategies listed below the next time you eat out:

• Plan in Advance – No matter how often you eat out, it should be a guilt-free experience. By planning ahead, you will be more aware of the fact that restaurant portions are often larger, foods are cooked with butter and cream, and chefs like to season with sugar and salt.
• Stay Hydrated – Water is 100% calorie free and may suppress your appetite if consumed before your meal. The health benefits are huge when you replace a sugary beverage with water as it will help break down food so body can absorb nutrients.
• Ask for Substitutions – Many dieters think that eating out is the source of all evil; but it doesn’t have to be. Making a few substitutions to ingredients and meal preparation methods should allow you to make healthy choices off most menus.
• Order Colorful Foods – Rather than settle for boring browns and whites, fill your plate with a variety of colors. Food color is the most significant sign of valuable nutrients, and a colorful plate suggests you’re eating a well-rounded meal.

Since you can expect a few extra calories even when you order healthy options at a restaurant, a key to managing your dining experience is to control what you drink. Try to avoid sugary or fat-laden liquid calories by drinking water or unsweetened tea. When eating out, avoid all sugary drinks as these are among the most fattening things you can consume. Drinking a glass of water about half an hour before your meal will ensure you are well hydrated.

At the Metabolic Research Center, our programs are simple to follow, and you will eat real, nutritious foods both at home and when you order out at a restaurant. Best of all, we remove all the guesswork. Eating out is at the heart and soul of today's society. With some simple tips from MRC online, you can make healthier choices when eating out, or whenever you need to eat during the holidays but don't have time to cook.