Reduce Your Restaurant Remorse

Restaurants tend to provoke bad eating habits: True. 

Eating out is unhealthy: False. 

There are many steps you can take in order to keep a diet, or even just a healthy lifestyle, while still enjoying the atmosphere of a nice night out to dinner.  You can begin your voyage to healthy restaurant habits by practicing these 10 strategies:

Research your Restaurant.

With today’s technology, it is effortless to look a menu up online.  While viewing menus, choose a place that has healthy options.  Many restaurants even have a special “diet”, “low-fat”, or “heart-healthy” type section of their menu for calorie-conscious customers like yourself. 

Some find it wise to decide what they are going to eat before they go.  This way, they won’t be tempted by other’s choices or the alluring aromas of fatty foods.

Your Eyes are Bigger than Your Stomach.

Going to a restaurant on an empty stomach will cause you to order anything that makes your mouth water before you have a chance to make a nutritious decision. Keep in mind you will also most likely chow down on an obnoxious amount of bread in order to quiet that growling tummy.  Before your first course comes, you have already added 200 calories to your meal!  Therefore, it is smart to nibble on a wholesome snack such as pita and hummus about 30 minutes before you head out to dinner.

The Dreaded Drinks.

Avoid sugared liquids.  Remember that most alcoholic beverages are high in calories.  Water is the best choice because it will keep your palate clean to better enjoy your food.  If you decide to drink soda, be sure to limit it to one glass  (NO REFILLS!) and then move onto water.

Small Portions Equal Smaller Bellies.

Ordering an appetizer as a dinner entree is a great way to cut calories.  If you have a companion with you, maybe you could share a full entree instead.  Or ask the waitress to wrap half of your meal before she brings it to the table. NO SUPER SIZING!

Don’t Deprive. Exercise!

Depriving yourself of something you are seriously craving will only make you miserable.  Moderation is key.  Instead of ordering 20 wings, order 5.  During your workout the day after you “wing it”, be sure to add a few extra minutes to make up for it!

Pick a side, any side!

If your meal comes with a fatty friend, such as french fries, ask your server if you could substitute with some mixed veggies, baked potato, or salad.  If this isn’t possible, skip the side altogether.

Top it off!

If your meal of choice comes with a topping (pizza for example) always choose veggies!  If your meal happens to be topped with a sauce or dressing of some sort, order it on the side and use sparingly or eliminate altogether.

Know the Lingo.

Friends: grilled, barbecued, broiled, char-grilled, flame-cooked, baked, tomato or

Foes: fried, battered, crispy, breaded, creamy, biscuits, pastries, croissants,  butter, cheesy, white sauces, etc.

Where’s the Fire?

Take your time!  It’s a fact that your stomach is full for up to 15 minutes before it decides to inform that brain of yours!  Be careful not to over-stuff!

Go Nuts!

If you have decided you are going to order dessert, order one for the table and share.  Try to stick to something fruity and/or nutty.  Stay clear of syrups and caramels.  Dark chocolate is good but only in moderation.

Whether you are a frequent restaurant-goer or a homebody, it is important to follow these guidelines to lose or maintain weight loss.  Think before you eat.  The more conscious you are about healthy eating, the healthier you will be!