Enjoy a Guilt Free Meal When You Eat Out

If you made a commitment to living well, you should have already made the decision to eat healthy on meals you cook from scratch. However, never eating out again is not sustainable so it is important to learn how to make healthy choices. 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.

If you haven’t checked out the restaurant’s menu online, try to focus on the process of ordering once you are at the table. Select the best options that match your menu plan, ask about healthy substitutions, and order first to avoid feeling pressured. A study by the USDA concluded eating outside the home a few times per week can lead to weight gain or even obesity. Where it is true restaurants often serve large portions and use more butter and cream, you can control your food choices.

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 – Contrary to some food myths, drinking water before, during, or after a meal will not keep your digestive system from doing its job. In fact, staying hydrated actually improves digestion and makes it easier for nutrients to enter the bloodstream.
• Ask for Substitutions – Three helpful substitutions include asking your server to take away the bread or chip basket, to serve your salad with dressing on the side, and to request an appetizer portion of your entrée.
• 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.

During the holidays, everyone’s life is a little more hectic. When you’re trying to cram extra hours into the day, cooking at home may not be the best option. Following a few tips for eating out can allow you to enjoy a guilt-free meal. 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.

One of the best first steps for establishing better eating habits is to seek guidance from an MRC weight loss specialist that can personalize a menu plan for your body’s specific needs whether you are eating at home as well as dining out. Teaching you how to eat well through our personalized menu plan allows you to understand food in a way that fuels your metabolism, whether you’re preparing a meal at home or eating out. Click Get Started to find a location near you.