We are starting go back to restaurants again which can be a great time to spend time with loved ones and not prepare a meal ourselves. However, it can be challenging to know what to order so you don’t feel bloated for a few days. Here are some ideas on how to eat healthfully at a restaurant to avoid the bloat and enjoy yourself.
Research
Many restaurants have their menus posted on the website so it is easy for someone to look ahead at what will be available. I usually do this every time to make sure I see everything and know what my options are. If the restaurant is a chain, they will likely provide nutritionals and calorie counts.
Many times, entrees are incredibly high in fat so that is something to look into. If something sounds good to me, but I see that it has more calories than I need in a day, I will reconsider my choice.
Check out the restaurant’s healthier choices
There usually are spots on a menu for lighter options. Some of them are great options but some are hardly better than the regular offerings.
Easy on the bread (or chips)
I love bread! Especially warm bread with some butter. Yum! Many places will bring you some bread and butter to start your meal. I’m not saying you should avoid it, but maybe try to limit yourself to one piece. Usually, one roll is about 100 calories and if you add butter, it’s closer to 150. If you have two or three, then you are over 450 calories before you even order. Try drinking water and talking to your company before you decide to indulge.
On the side
Salads can be a tasty menu option and typically can be one of the healthier ones, but, they can also have over a thousand calories if don’t modify them. When you order, make sure you order dressing, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and croutons on the side. This way you can control how much goes on.
Usually, I dip my fork in the dressing and then get some of the salad on the fork with it. I also lightly top my salad with all my toppings. I really don’t need them all and this prevents me from accidentally over eating.
Eat Half
There are times when there is something on the menu I would love to have, but the stats are a little high for me. If I really want the item, I will order it and eat half of it and take home the rest. That way I can have the meal twice and I won’t stuff myself.
Restaurants usually give too much food so that we feel we are getting good value and we don’t leave hungry. You don’t have to clean your plate.
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The secret to eating healthy at Mexican Restaurants
We love going to Mexican restaurants as a family. My husband and I especially love to order fajitas and split it. This works very well because the fajitas usually come with about three plates of food and that is entirely too much for one person.
This is a great amount for the two of us because we both get plenty, it saves money and we don’t stuff ourselves. Honestly, this could work at any restaurant because there’s usually too much food for one person.
Steamed or Baked
Look for menu items that are steamed and baked to get a healthier option. This means they will be cooked with much less oil and be less calorically dense. The ones that should be avoided are those that are fried, sautéed or crunchy.
Limit to 1 drink
Many times, we go to a restaurant and get refill after refill of drinks. It’s easy to lose track but you could be drinking hundreds of calories that won’t fill you up. Try to stick to one soft drink with no refill or one alcoholic beverage.
Honestly, I usually get water at a restaurant because it’s what I drink the most. You could always bring a drink mix to add to your water if you want some flavor and not many calories.
Skip Dessert
We were at a Cheesecake Factory a few weeks ago and were looking at the dessert case. The cheesecakes were beautiful and drool worthy, however, they had the calorie counts on them. For example, the Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake is 1620 calories a slice and the average person needs 1800-2000 calories a day.
It is in your best interest to skip dessert at the restaurant and have something small when you get home like some dark chocolate or make some doughnuts.
Remember why you are out
You go out to eat with someone so you can enjoy their company or to let someone else cook for you. It should be a fun, non stress experience. Try to remember that going out is more about who you are with and less about the food.