Tips for Eating Healthy when Going Out

I used to love going out to eat and never liked cooking at home. It was so much easier when someone else cooked it. Sometimes I still feel like not cooking, but for the most part since I changed my diet and eat healthier I actually prefer to eat at home more than going out. I can control my ingredients at home and I know exactly what I’m eating and I tend to not overeat as much when I’m at home.

Going out to eat now is a special treat for me but before I do go, I plan ahead and figure out what healthy options I can choose to stick to my health goals.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love to indulge and treat myself when I go out, like sharing some yummy french fries or a chocolate dessert but I don’t want to ruin my whole week of healthy eating and exercising with one meal.

So here are some tips to help you when you go out to eat:

Check the nutrition menu on their website if they have one before you leave the house. This is important if you are watching your calories, sodium, sugar, etc. Even if you don’t count your calories it’s good to know that you are choosing a meal that is only 400 calories instead of 1,300 calories. You would be surprised at how many calories are in seemingly “healthy” meals.
Determine if you want to indulge in a special treat like an appetizer, a dessert or a drink. Choose one.
Always get the sauce on the side, whether it’s a salad, a sandwich, or an entree. Sauce has tons of extra calories and are often used too much. You only need a bit of the sauce on your utensil to get the taste. (When my husband and I order Chinese take-out I always order my Thai Basil Chicken “Steamed with the sauce on the side”)
Choose food items that are steamed, broiled or baked. Stay away from fried, battered, and breaded foods.
Don’t be afraid to ask the server to modify your order. It’s their job to satisfy their customers (they get tipped better by us when they don’t act like I’m being a pain in the butt customer). I always order sandwiches and burgers without the bun. I know I’m not going to eat it so don’t put it on my plate.
Ask for more veggies! Fill up on veggies and it will prevent you from overeating on the higher-calorie foods.
Enjoy your food! No matter what you decide to order, don’t feel “guilty” about what you’re eating and savor it. You will feel so much better when you enjoy it and taste every bite. This will also prevent you from overeating.

What are your tips for eating healthy when eating out?

XO,

Carrie A Groff

-Healthy, Fit & Barefoot!

“Happiness is Barefoot on the Beach”