Healthy Eating at Restaurants

I am a lover of food and a lover of restaurants. One of my favorite things to do is to go out to eat with some good company and enjoy a great meal. Eating out all the time is a large contributor to weight gain (and a smaller bank account) but it doesn't have to be. Here are a couple tips to help you eat healthier at a restaurant. 

• Your first drink order should always be a glass of water with lemon. If you want to get something else that's fine but you should also order a water. The lemon has been proven to help weight loss so squeeze a little in with your water. (Plus water is free!)
• Don't feel like you have to order a salad. Most restaurants add so many toppings along with a high calories dressing and a portion fit for a giant that they really aren't that much healthier of an option. 
• Look for dishes with lean meats, vegetables, and a lighter sauce. Red meats, pasta, and creamy sauces are things you want to try to avoid. If you do want pasta, try to pair it with chicken and a marinara sauce instead. If you want a steak, opt for a vegetable side rather than creamy garlic potatoes. 
• Avoid fried foods. There are obvious things that you know will be fried in a restaurant like french fries, a breaded tenderloin, cheddar nuggets, etc. There are also things that might surprise you so read carefully. Also, ask if there is an option to bake any of the fried items instead. Not all restaurants will do this but some might if you request it. 
• Less sauce more seasoning. Sauces add calories. Look for meals flavored with herbs and seasonings rather than dressings and sauces. 
• Cut it in half. Once you receive your meal immediately cut it in half. Restaurants are infamous for giving over-sized portions. By cutting your meal in half from the start, you can avoid over eating. 
• Share now or save some for later. As I just mentioned, meals are given to you in very large portions in restaurants to try to find a friend that likes the same things as you and you can split your meal instead. It's also a lot cheaper! Or just take the other half home and enjoy yummy leftovers the next day. 
• Chat it up. Engage in conversation while eating. This helps you to eat slower which will allow your brain to process how full your stomach really is before you've consumed your whole meal. 
• Drink it up. Make it your goal to drink a full glass of water before your meal comes, one glass while eating your meal, and one after your meal is finished. This will help you to feel fuller, keep you hydrated, and aid in the digestion of your meal.