3 Simple Steps to Eating Out the Healthy Way
Eating out seems to be our national pastime. We’re always on the go and it’s just easier to pull in and order our meal. Especially for busy moms, who just want to go home and put their feet up. HA!
It’s one thing to eat healthy at home when you’re in control of what’s available — but eating out while traveling, carting children from one event to the next or enjoying date night, can sometimes put a strain on our healthy eating habits. Eating out is a part of life — and quite enjoyable, don’t you think?! — so feeling confident and comfortable with making healthy choices with the options you’re given is an important part of continuing your healthy lifestyle.
The holidays are only a few months away, where your calendar will be overflowing with holiday parties. Therefore, now is the time to get this under wraps so you can sail right into the holiday season confident that you won’t enter the new year with any unwelcomed extra pounds! (Stick with me because I’ll be helping you navigate the holidays when they arrive, as well.)
Here are 3 simple steps you can take with you wherever you go…
Don’t be afraid to ask
If you’re having difficulty finding something healthy on a menu, don’t be afraid to ask for a modification. For example, if you’re at an Italian restaurant with a menu full of pasta dishes — consider substituting the pasta for broccoli or spinach. You still get the toppings and sauce, but without the plate full of carbs. I love doing this!
I’ve only encountered one national chain that can not do this for me or my family and we no longer go to this restaurant. I’ve learned that their menu options are pre-packaged and the kitchen can’t switch out what’s in the bag. This was an eye opener for me. So, if the server explains that options aren’t available, then their menu is more than likely pre-packaged and pre-portioned.
Don’t drink your calories
This goes for anytime, but an incredibly simple way to make a small healthy shift is to choose water. It’s clearly the healthiest choice, but this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a green tea or the occasional glass of red wine alongside your water. Balance is everything, but water is the top priority.
Prepare yourself before going out
Deciding which of the meals on the menu are both tasty and healthy can be time-consuming and not the kind of task you want to do while you’re in the restaurant. I don’t know about you, but when faced with a new menu and the server is tapping their pen, I get a little anxious and just order something.
Now, when heading to a new restaurant, I’ll check their website or Facebook to find their menu. I can take my time before I head out and choose wisely when I get there. Works every time.
Try this little trick before you leave the comfort of your own home, you can research which of the meals is the healthiest, and you’ll be ready to order when you get there without studying the menu for ten minutes!
Another of my favorite tips is ordering an appetizer as my meal with a side salad. The amount of food you get with an appetizer and a small side salad is usually just the right amount – unlike the over-sized portions often found on the entrée menu.
So, as you can see, these are simple hacks that can make a difference in the quality of food you eat while eating out. With healthy restaurants popping up everywhere, it becomes easier and easier to find healthy options while eating out, so take advantage of that.
What are some of your favorite healthy hacks you use while eating out? Share your tips with us in our Facebook members group Healthy Living For Life.
Hey busy mom, I know life can get crazy and the drive thru is always calling your name. Grab my free Healthy Eating on the Go guide to help you stay healthy on those super busy days.