You’re motivated. You’re exercising every day. You’re cooking healthy meals at home. You’re watching your portion control. You’re being so good to yourself. You may have noticed some weight loss and an increase in your energy level. There’s just one problem—you really want to eat out tonight. Well then, do it! You deserve a treat.
Don’t know what to order at your favorite restaurants? The following tips can help you navigate the menu like a true health nut. You can eat out and not go overboard if you remember a few simple rules about restaurant fare. I’ve compiled my own list of tried and true tips for dining out at several types of restaurants. Give them a try and let me know what works for you.
Tips for Dining Out While Staying Healthy
Mexican—When that endless basket of tortilla chips appears, I limit myself to ten chips and break them into bite size pieces before dipping them in salsa. I go for grilled entrees like fajitas or grilled fish tacos. Ask for black beans (high fiber, low-cal) over refried beans, which are usually cooked with too much saturated fat. Always avoid beef in Mexican restaurants, as it loaded with fat and calories. Limit the sour cream or skip it altogether.
Italian—You’ll be less inclined to finish your entree if you enjoy a satisfying cup of broth based soup as an appetizer. I like minestrone because it’s loaded with veggies. I always ask for whole wheat pasta in tomato based sauces like marinara or primavera, which are lower in fat and calories than creamy sauces. Avoid alfredo sauce at all costs. It’s filled with artery clogging saturated fat. Thin crust pizza with veggies is a healthy choice, especially if you limit the cheese. Choose plain Italian bread over garlic bread, which can be smothered in butter.
Indian—My favorites are tandoori shrimp, chicken, or fish, as these items are always grilled. Chicken tikka is another tasty grilled option. Healthy side items are curried vegetables, steamed rice, and naan as long as they’re eaten in small portions. Indian food boasts lots of healthy vegetarian options. Just avoid fat laden dishes like coconut soup, korma, and samosas.
