Let’s keep it 100, you can be the most health-conscious person on the planet but there will be times when you will eat outside of the home. Some people only eat out for special occasions or business meetings while others may eat out on a regular basis for necessity and convenience. Whatever your reasoning is for eating out you can still make healthy choices that will keep you on track with your healthy nutrition goals.
In 2014, the United States passed a law that requires all retail food chains/vending machines with 20 or more locations or 20 or more vending machines to post nutrition information on the menus, menu boards, and vending machines. This means you can easily identify the low-calorie items based on the nutrition information. Below are tips you can follow when eating/dining out to cut back on the calories:
Choose grilled or baked options. Avoid fried foods.
Take half of your meal home.
Order lunch portions.
Ask for sauces/condiments on the side or skip them.
Choose a side salad or fruit instead of french fries.
Avoid value meals; order a la carte.
Check out the menu beforehand to help with your decision.
Choose broth-based soups over creamy ones.
Ask the waiter/waitress to remove the breadbasket.
Share desserts with a friend.
Eating out does not have to derail your healthy lifestyle. Learn to choose the healthiest options available and/or modify your meals to fit your calorie goals.
Much love,
TBL