Dining out can be fun, but it can sometimes be detrimental to healthy eating resolutions as well. Between large portion sizes, creamy sauces and the sometimes high calorie content of restaurant meals, eating out can knock even the most determined dieter off the wagon. You don't have to skip the restaurant; smart dining out is all about making the right choices.
Keep Portions Small
Restaurants are notorious for their large portion sizes. This is where the calorie count can go sky-high when dining out. Share large plates with a friend or ask your server for a half-portion. Consider boxing up half your meal to take to work for lunch the next day.
Eat Slowly
Take your time when you're eating. Chew your food at least twenty times and drink plenty of water. Eating too quickly can cause you to become full before you know it, but eating slowly gives your stomach time to register the true amount of contents inside it. This can make it easier for your body to tell you when you're getting full.
Opt for the Veggies
No matter what you decide to eat, choose a meal that contains plenty of brightly colored vegetables. They are rich in fiber, which can make you feel fuller more quickly. Vegetables are also packed with many of the essential vitamins and minerals the human body needs every day, as well.
Choose Lean Meats
You don't have to skip the steak when dining out. Ask your server to make sure the fat is trimmed from broiled meats. Consider a flank steak, London broil or fillet in place of your traditional T-bone, as these are the leanest cuts. Skip the sauce and gravy, as they can be a vehicle for unwanted fat and calories and ruin the health value of even the healthiest menu selection.
Skip the Creamy Dressing
Salads are always a healthy option, but opt for vinegar- and oil-based dressing in place of creamy choices like Ranch or Thousand Island. One ladle of creamy dressing can add up to 300 extra calories to your meal, defeating the purpose of choosing a healthy salad over some other options on the menu.
Drink Plenty of Water
Opt for water instead of soda, and drink as much as possible. This helps to take up some of the room in your stomach, making you less likely to stuff yourself when your food is brought to the table. Keep drinking water throughout your meal, as well.
Eat Before You Go Out
It is a common practice to go hungry before a dinner out, but this is a surefire recipe for overeating. Eat during the day as you normally would, making sure to save a bit of room for your restaurant meal. Starving yourself before you go out increases the likelihood that you will overeat at the restaurant and fall off of your diet resolution.
