Eating healthy while dining out: tips and tricks

Eating healthy while dining out can be a challenge. Restaurant dishes are designed to taste great, but not necessarily to be healthy, and may include more saturated fat, sugar and salt than the recommended daily allowances. Plus, some restaurants serve larger portions than many of us would eat at home.

Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks that you can try to continue your healthy eating even when you’re dining out.

Look at the menu beforehand

Most restaurants have their full menus online, enabling you to do some research before you go for your meal. See if the restaurant posts the calories, nutritional content or allergens on their website.

You don’t necessarily need to choose the lowest calorie option, but looking at the menu beforehand ensures that you can plan ahead. You’ll have a better idea about what to choose when you sit down at the table and can also adjust your other meals during the day accordingly.

Avoid saturated fats

Reducing saturated fat consumption is one strategy for managing healthy cholesterol levels. Choose lean proteins, for example, chicken breast without the skin, and opt for a vegetable-based sauce over a cream one. Skip the french fries and order a side salad or steamed veggies instead.  If this is a special occasion and you are ordering dessert, which can be loaded with butter, or cream, consider sharing one order with the others at your table.  That way you still get a bite of something sweet and don’t feel deprived. /p>

Choose baked foods

Baked or grilled foods tend to be healthier than fried foods. They’re usually lower in calories and contain less fat.

Choose baked chicken, tofu, or fish, instead of fried burgers if possible. You can also pair these foods with healthy side dishes, such as baked potato instead of chips or roasted vegetables instead of fried rice.