Dining out is a pleasurable experience, however you should try to make healthy restaurant choices so you do not consume too many calories. If you are watching your weight, do not eat your entire meal when you dine out. Take some home in a carry-out container so you can enjoy the leftovers the next day.
1. Do Some Online Research Before You Eat Out
Many restaurants have websites listing the calorie contents of the menu, especially major chains. Do an online search and see if the restaurant you are going to has an online menu. Look on the menu to see if the calorie content is available. If it is, you can decide what to order before you go to the restaurant so you will know in advance how many calories you will consume. This will also save you some time at the restaurant, since you will already know what you are going to order.
2. Ask to See the Low Calorie Menu
If the restaurant you are going to does not have a website, when you arrive ask your server if you can see the low calorie menu. If one is available, order something that looks appetizing but is not too high in fat. If the restaurant does not have a low calorie menu, do the best you can with the regular menu so you will not stray too far from your diet. You may even want to order a meal to split with someone else in your party so you can reduce the amount of calories that you consume.
3. Order Water with Your Meal
When you eat at a restaurant, avoid ordering any alcohol such as wine or beer. Try to stay away from sodas as well. Order some bottled water so you do not consume any liquid calories during your meal. If you simply must have some taste in your drink, ask for some unsweetened tea and only drink one glass with your meal.
4. Avoid Bread and Appetizers
One of the most difficult things about dining out at a restaurant is the temptation of appetizers. This is especially true if there are some people at a table near you who have some appetizers they are enjoying. If you want to order an appetizer, get a side salad or some low fat vegetables. Try to avoid eating breads as well, but if you do have a slice do not put any butter on it.
5. Skip Dessert
Desserts are delicious, but unfortunately they are usually high in calories. If you are trying to stick to a diet you should skip dessert altogether. Let someone else in your party order a dessert, then just ask her for a bite to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you do decide to order a dessert, get a scoop of low fat vanilla ice cream or a slice of apple pie. If neither of these choices are available, eat only half of the dessert you choose and take the rest home in a plastic container to eat the next day.
