Going out with the family? Enjoy yourself…and make good choices. Here are some tips:
Save yourself by having lighter meals earlier in the day, prioritizing protein and drinking plenty of water. This will help you “leave room” for your restaurant meal and keep you satiated so you don’t overindulge.
Choose a healthy restaurant, such as Japanese, Mediterranean, or Greek. The worst cuisines are usually any with the word “American” (sad, but true).
Look up the menu ahead of time and see what you might order. This way, you can take the time to suss out the healthier options. Grilled, roasted, broiled, baked, or steamed are healthy cooking methods because they limit oils’ use. Avoid foods that are described as creamy or coated.
Prioritize plants and protein because they are whole, satiating foods. If your meal contains a lot of starchy carbohydrates, ask to substitute some of those with extra vegetables. When your meal arrives, eat it in this order: protein, plants, carbohydrates.
Skip the bread basket to help save room for the healthier options later! If you are splurging, eat one slice!
Go easy on the alcohol, and make sure you drink plenty of water in between drinks. Water is a great hack for avoiding eating or drinking too much! Try drinking a glass as soon as you arrive to ensure you are not only hydrated but also not starving, which can often trigger you to eat to excess.
You can eat out without feeling terrible the next day. Eat and enjoy!