Tips For How to Eat Clean at Restaurants

Eating out is both a social and relaxing activity. In the fall, eating more of our meals out is especially tempting due to the crisp, clean weather! (The summer humidity is out of sight!). However, if not careful…eating out can turn into an expensive habit which can change the size of our waistline.

Here are my simple #DietitianApproved tips to make the best choices for your dining out experience:

• Offer to pick the restaurant. We all have friends or family who may opt for places with greasy foods. Pick a place which serves healthy and delicious options which everyone can enjoy!
• Look at restaurant menu before going and plan your meal.
• Think about getting an appetizer as your main with a side healthy dish OR ordering an appetizer and splitting the main course with your dining partner. If you are eating alone, aim to eat half the food and take the other half home. Restaurant servings are often double the serving size(think portion control here).
• Avoid food that is crunchy, crispy, creamy. Instead select choices that are grilled, steamed, poached or baked.

• For salads, aim for clear dressings and order dressing on the side. Use the least amount possible.
• Have fruit for desert or follow the three bite rule — the first and the last bites taste the best and everything in between tastes exactly the same.
• Water is your friend. Use the time before the food is served to sip up your H20. Ask for a lemon or lime as an easy low calorie way to give your drink more flavor.
• For alcohol, stick with 1–2 drinks at most. Aim to drink a glass of water between drinks to stay hydrated, stay full and drink less.
• Focus on the conversation. Do not eat during stressful dinner discussions. Your mood may dictate your food choices and cause you to stress eat.

Be mindful of the food you select to eat. Go in with a plan and enjoy the moment!! Do not feel guilty about eating. Food is a big part of life. If you are unsure of the foods your body needs to be healthy, consider working with a RD to help you make better choices. Eat Well 2 Be Well!

About Me:

Sharon Priya Banta is the founder of Simple Practical Balanced Nutrition. She is happy to meet with you via virtual sessions which help support a busy lifestyle as well as in-person sessions! Please visit www.spbNutrition.com for more details on how to schedule a nutrition consult and remember, Your Health is Your Wealth.