Nothing can test your diet more than heading out to your favorite restaurant to meet family and friends. There are so many temptations, and it can be a challenge to stay on track with healthy eating. Just the celebratory atmosphere of meeting and eating together is often enough reason to slip up on your diet for just one bite of that creamy chocolate dessert.
The good news is that the restaurant industry has largely embraced healthier eating and lifestyles. Many establishments go out of their way to provide delicious and nutritious options on their menus. Some restaurants even have calorie or point values listed on their menus to help you narrow down your choices.
In general, we all know what foods are bad for us, but when you are following a specific diet plan like Weight Watchers or a ketogenic diet, it can help to have more healthy restaurant options. Living a healthy lifestyle includes more than just your diet; your overall health can be improved by exercise, meditation, and using premium CBD gummies like those from Joy Organics for inflammation and immune health. Having the right tools to help you along the way will make your weight loss journey a bit easier. Let’s look at a few tips to help you make healthier choices when you dine out at a restaurant.
Explore Salads
Salad selections are more expansive than ever before, and modern menus are filled with almost every combination imaginable. There is no need to feel like you are missing out on anything with some of the hearty salads available at your favorite restaurant. From a southwest flare to a simple salad with shrimp or chicken, you can feel sated and satisfied without filling up on carbs and fats. It’s easier to say no to the steak or ribs on the menu when you are presented with healthier choices that are equally as delicious.
Skip the Bread Basket
Restaurants will often bring complementary bread loaves or buns to your table to hold you over until your meal arrives. While freshly baked bread may be tempting, it’s important to remember that it is really an empty-calorie filler. Before you are tempted, let your server know that you would prefer to skip the bread basket altogether. Some restaurants may have another lighter calorie option like fruit or salsa and whole-grain chips that you can enjoy.
Water, Not Wine
One of the pleasures of dining out is to enjoy the perfect pairing of food and wine. Depending on your diet, you may be allowed to enjoy the odd glass of Cabernet or Chardonnay while you eat. To stay on track, ask for a six-ounce glass instead of the larger glass or bottle and follow up with iced water with lemon. A glass of alcohol is a great way to celebrate with friends and family, but it can lead to dehydration or water retention that could make it tougher to meet your goal weight.
Meal Portions
It seems like some restaurants are trying to impress their diners by the sheer size of their meals. While this may seem like you are getting more for your money, it’s never a good idea for your diet. Portion control is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight. Talk to your server about what you can expect in regards to the size of your chosen entree. You may be able to request a lunch-sized or half-sized portion.
Take Your Time
Eating out at a restaurant is an experience that should be savored. When you rush your meal and eat too quickly, it can make digestion a challenge. Forcing digestion can result in bloating and gas. Take your time when you eat and make sure to drink enough fluids in between each course. The slower you eat, the more conscious you’ll be of when you are full, making you less likely to overeat.
Just because you are choosing to live a healthier lifestyle by watching your calorie intake doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy eating out at a restaurant. If you are struggling to stay focused and dedicated to changing your lifestyle, it’s important to arm yourself with the right tools. Try some of these tips to help you get the most out of healthy restaurant eating.
