Select Nutritious Options When Dining 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. Primarily the cholesterol and saturated fat in the foods you eat increase your cholesterol levels. When eating out, it is important that you can spot the dangers on the menu to limit your consumption of fat, sodium, and calories.

Make sure you enquire on how your food will be prepared. You can ask about options for eating healthy and can avoid a nasty surprise. Naturally, choosing more nutritious foods (more veggies) will be your better option. According to a study by the USDA, almost 75 percent of Americans eat at a restaurant at least once a week, and almost a fourth of the population dine outs every two or three days. So, it is crucial to avoid eating poorly, or too much.

Studies have shown the smell of food can spark the metabolic process. Making a reservation can help you reduce wait time and limit last minute decision making. Try these tips for making smarter food choices:

• Plan in Advance – Do your due diligence before you go to the restaurant. Online menus can give you a head start on making good food choices when dining out. That way you can make the same realistic selections that you would have made at home.
• 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 – Most restaurant menus do not tell the whole story, so ask your server about how your food will be prepared and what ingredients are available. Always opt for sauces, dressings, soups, and preparations without butter or heavy cream.
• Order Colorful Foods – With so many vegetables and fruits to choose from, and with so many ways to enjoy them, it is easy to create a colorful plate that is satisfying, nutritious and delicious whenever you dine out.

There are some things you just can’t control. When eating out, it is more important to maintain the healthy habits you’re committed to than it is to make every single morsel of food you consume fit your menu plan exactly. When it comes to ordering appetizers, don’t assume soups and salads to be the healthiest option. Either can be loaded with fats, sodium, and sugars, whereas fresh crab-stuffed mushrooms may be a much healthier option.

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. Preparing a holiday meal. Check out healthy recipes at Metabolic Research Center online. We've been helping clients develop successful strategies for a healthy eating out or dining in for more than three decades.