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Top 10 tips for eating

healthier when eating out

by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Top Ten list is available. I love going out to eat! The trouble is all the yummy foods out there can really pack on the pounds. With that being said, it is possible to eat out and not consume tons and tons of calories. Here’s how I eat healthier when dining out...while still enjoying myself. 1. Plan ahead: Most restaurants have menus online. Take a peek and decide on healthy options before stepping into the restaurant. Going in prepared will definitely help you eat better. 2. Know your beverages: Avoid drinks with loads of added sugar and choose healthier options like water (with lemon or lime) or unsweetened iced tea. 3. Investigate the appetizers: Skip the entrée and order an appetizer as your meal. You can even complement it with a salad or cup of soup. A main dish with all the sides is not the only way food to satisfy your hunger. 4. Start with a salad: Salads are a great main dish option, or also a great way to precede your meal to curb your appetite a bit. Ask for your salad dressing on the side and lightly dip your fork into the dressing before each bite. 5. Skip the buffets: Buffets give us access to all-you-can-eat food, which often leads to poor eating decisions. Avoid the buffet and order off the menu. It will definitely help with portion control. 6. Grilled versus Fried: If possible, choose dishes that have been grilled, steamed or broiled. Fried foods have been cooked in very hot oil or fat. When something is fried, it absorbs the fat. 7. Choose whole grain bread or skip it: Whole grains are healthier for you then refined white breads. Ask your waiter if your sandwich, dinner roll, pasta or whatever you select can be made with a whole grain option. Sometimes, you might even choose to skip the bread…or just have a small slice. You might ask the waiter to refrain from bringing a bread basket to eliminate the temptation. 8. Skip the heavy creams: Foods served with heavy creams are generally high in cholesterol and calories. If you can, choose a healthier alternative. 9. When it comes to dessert: Desserts are fun, so don’t feel you have to skip them all the time. If you eat out 4 times a month, get a dessert half of the time OR share one with your dining buddy. Many restaurants now have mini- versions of desserts on the menu that I often opt for. If there’s a dessert made of mostly fruit, that would be a good option...like a bowl of fresh berries with some whipped cream. 10. Eat slowly: Think of eating out as time to spend with someone you love or friends you enjoy...not as a way to refuel as quickly as possible. Eat slowly and enjoy the dinner conversation. Chew each bite at least 10 times before swallowing. When you eat slowly, you tend to feel fuller faster and consume fewer calories. Back to Top Ten Index