Dining Out Healthy in the New Year

By Vito’s Pizzaria in Wethersfield

Just because eating healthier is one of your New Year’s resolutions, it doesn’t mean that you can’t go out to dinner and enjoy yourself.

Here are some tips for eating healthy while you are out.

First of all, ask for it your way. For instance, if an item is fried, ask for it grilled. If it comes with French fries, ask for a side of veggies instead. Also, ask for extra vegetables and offer to pay the extra.

Ask to box half your entrée before it ever gets to the table, or split an entrée with your dining partner. You can also order a salad before ordering anything else on the menu. People who eat a big veggie salad before the main course ate fewer calories overall than those who didn’t have a first-course salad.

But remember, salads shouldn’t be fatty. This is a vegetable course – keep it tasty but healthy. That means avoiding anything in a creamy sauce and skipping the bacon bits and fried noodles. Instead, load up on the raw vegetables, treat yourself to a few well-drained marinated vegetables, and add in some fruit or nuts.

Watch the add-ons to vegetable salads. Even salads that are mostly raw vegetables are a problem if they’re loaded with cheese and meats.

The best way to combine salad dressing with salad? Get your dressing on the side, in a small bowl. Dip your empty fork into the dressing, then skewer a forkful of salad. You’ll be surprised at how this tastes just right, and how little dressing you’ll use. Plus, your lettuce won’t wilt and drown in a sea of oil.

You will also want to skip the bread basket. If you must have something to munch on while you wait for your order, ask for a plate of raw vegetables.

Skipping the fancy drinks will also help you skip some unwanted calories. If you must order an alcoholic drink, opt for a glass of wine, a light beer, a vodka and tonic or a simple martini.

If you get a baked potato, top it with veggies or salsa. Avoid the butter and sour cream.

Ordering fish – as long as it’s not fried – will also help you to eat healthier when you are out to dinner. Seafood is a great option because you can order it so many different ways – steamed, baked, broiled, sautéed, blackened, or grilled. Don’t get any sauce, or ask for it on the side.

Drink water throughout the meal. It will slow you down, help you enjoy the food more, and let the message get to your brain that you’re full – before your plate is empty.

Another trick is to always dress up to go out. If you view eating out as an event or a treat, rather than a way to get an everyday dinner, you won’t eat out as often.

Skipping the dessert is also a great way to cut some calories.

At Vito’s Pizzaria, we have many options that are both healthy and delicious!

Stop in and see us or give us a call at 860-563-3333 and have us deliver it to you.