Nutrition: Eating Out

It is much easier to eat out and eat healthy now than it was in the past. Many more restaurants offer healthier menu items and healthier options, such as low fat dressings and condiments.

Some things that you can do to eat healthier and/or consume fewer calories include:

• Share entrees. Order one meal, an extra salad or soup, and split the entrée. The food tastes just as good, and there is less of it for both of you.
  
• Share desserts. If you have to have something sweet (and we all do sometimes!) share it.
  
• Only eat half the meal and take the other half home for a second meal.
  
• Order items that are baked or grilled rather than fried.
  
• Order items without sauces and gravies or ask for them on the side.
  
• Order fat free or reduced fat dressings and condiments or ask for the regular ones on the side. If it is on the side, you control how much goes on.
  
• Ask for plain bread and olive oil on the side for dipping rather than buttered garlic bread.
  
• Ask for half the amount of cheese on your pizza and order vegetables instead of meat.
  
• Focus more on chicken and fish and less on meat. (But still watch the preparation method.)
  
• Order a plain baked potato with salsa or fat free dressing instead of butter and sour cream.
  
• Save the high fat, but really good, appetizers for when there is a group. You can have a bite or two, but are less likely to overindulge.
  
• Avoid sugared beverages.
  
• Ask for nutrition information if you are uncertain of an item. Many restaurants have this available.
  
• If you are old enough, order from the senior menu. The portion sizes are often smaller.

As I said in an earlier post, I look at this as being able to eat anything I want; just not as much as I may want, or as often as I may want! But there is nothing that I have forbidden myself to never have again. In my opinion, that would be setting myself up for failure.

Please share any ideas you have for eating healthier when you eat out!