EATING HEALTHY WHEN EATING OUT
Eating out, for most people who regularly watch their diets or weight, is their “gift to self”. Thus, eating healthy when dining out is definitely not an option. For them, it is a treat for being able to complete a week of strenuous training and strict food intake. It's their “cheat day” after all, so why be bothered with eating healthy for one day?
For those who love to eat without having to worry about their food intake, dining out is no time to be a conscious eater, counting all the calories in each menu entrée. But, with the rise of lifestylerelated diseases, it is high time that individuals, whether mindful of their food intake or not, take cheat days and eating out to a healthier level.
Many restaurants and food chains have responded to the call of the health conscious and have started to make their menus healthier. Fast-food chains, for example, which are considered to
be ticking time bombs when it comes to their food options, have, thankfully, adapted to the call of the times, which is eating healthy.
At the end of the day, whether you're dining out at a major fast-food chain or a locally-owned restaurant, keeping a few things in mind can help guarantee a dinner that is not only pleasant but also healthy.
1. Customize your order. Eating out does not mean you cannot eat healthy food. In reality, when you are in a restaurant, you can ask for changes in your order. Below are some of the ways to customize your order:
• If an order comes with French fries, you can tell the server or waiter to give you a small bowl of fresh vegetables instead.
• Ask them if they could double the size of your salad and give you a smaller portion of the meat to compensate.
• If a side of vegetables comes with your order, you can “opt” to upsize your vegetable serving for an extra price. This way, you will still get full without the excess fat.
• If your order is fried, ask if they could grill it instead. Grilled food has lesser oil and bad nutrients compared to those that are fried.
2. Split your entrée with a friend or partner. Some restaurants usually have large servings. In order to save on the cost of food and share the amount of nutrients, you can share a meal with a friend and ask for an extra side of vegetable ( or a serving of baked potato).
3. Check the menus of different restaurants before eating out. With the availability of the Internet and social media networks, many restaurants and even fast-food chains have company websites or social media pages that allow the public to have a glimpse of what they have to offer. Sometimes, these websites have an online menu for the public's perusal. You can check different menus of different restaurants online before deciding on which restaurant you want to visit.
4. Skip the fancy drinks. In other words, go for water. If you must have a drink aside from water, choose juice drinks. If you want to have a sip of alcohol, then go for a glass of wine, a bottle of light beer, vodka, or martini. Forget those drinks that include sugary additions. Do not forget also to drink water throughout the meal. This will help you slow down and enjoy the food more.
5. Skip the dessert. Reserve the dessert for another day. You can always have a piece of chocolate from your refrigerator or some sorbet at home. If you cannot resist on having a taste of their mouthwatering dessert, share a serving with your friends or partner. Below are additional tips on how to enjoy your chow
when eating out: 1. Always dress up when going out. Dress up or at least wear something formal even if you are just going out with your partner to have a dinner at your favorite restaurant. Treat every time you eat out as a family event. This way, you wouldn't see eating out as a routine to get yourselves dinner. Plus, it makes you look forward to the next eat out occasion.
2. Enjoy your meal. Always remember to enjoy your meal. Just because you ordered something healthy doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. Eat slowly and take your time.
3. Talk with your companion throughout your meal. This slows down your time in eating and allows you to spend quality time with whoever you are with, as well.
Eating healthy when eating out doesn't necessarily mean that you will not enjoy your meal. This only means that you have to take the extra effort of ordering healthier options. There are several restaurants and food chains in and around Cebu that serve healthier options. All you have to do is look around and choose the best restaurant that fits you and your taste buds.