Eating Healthy Is the Gateway to Living Well

When it is time to dine out and you want to eat healthy, think about the foods that might be served before you leave for the restaurant. Planning ahead takes a lot of the pressure off by deciding the types of dishes that you want to avoid. Since many restaurants today offer tasty meals that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars, you can dine out and make healthy choices that want derail your efforts to live a healthier life.

Studies have shown that it is difficult for most people to distinguish between thirst and hunger. Keep yourself well hydrated and try to drink a glass of water when you first sit down at the table before you eat anything else. Be careful about how you use condiments and toppings. Lightly dressing your salad and dipping your food in a sauce is a lot healthier than drenching your food. Remember that anything ketchup based contains a lot of added sugar.

Don’t let enjoying a meal out at a favorite restaurant ruin your goals for eating healthy and living well. Following some of the strategies listed below can make eating out delicious and as healthy as possible:

• Japanese – There are healthy options available at Japanese restaurants, such as sashimi, fresh sushi rolls, and steamed dumplings. These are packed with protein and healthy fats with minimal calories.
• Mexican – Pass on the basket of chips served when you sit down and order dishes with soft tortillas, grilled proteins, and tostada salad toppings with salsa not sour cream.
• Chinese – While many Chinese dishes are bad for weight (carbs and fat) and blood pressure (high sodium content), there are options for eating healthier like steamed vegetable-rich entrees or stir-fried greens.
• Indian – Eating Indian food when dining or ordering out can be tricky whereas preparing in your own home is different. You start by using less ghee and add a healthy mix of complex carbs, veggies, and protein as well as those delicious Indian spices.
• Italian – Healthy Italian food options include minestrone soups, steamed mussels, grilled calamari, grilled seafood, and grilled chicken with roasted or grilled vegetables as a side.

Eating at restaurant is a regular occurrence for most people. If you're making a commitment to eat healthy, this can prove tricky. However, with a little planning and know-how, you can successfully navigate a restaurant menu without damage to living well. When dining out, look for side dishes and entrées that are made with whole grains, such as barley or quinoa. Many restaurants today are now offering whole grain buns, wraps and crust as a better option for eating healthy.

To best manage your weight, Metabolic Research Center teaches you how to eat at your favorite restaurants, fast food franchises, coffee shops and food trucks while dodging hidden calories. When eating out over the holidays, remember that your thoughts create the feelings that directly influence your food choices. Choosing healthy eating by changing your bad habits is your gateway to living well.