Choosing the right resturant can be fun, but it can sometimes be detrimental to healthy eating resolutions as well. Between large portion sizes, creamy sauces and the sometimes high calorie content of restaurant meals, eating out can knock even the most determined dieter off the wagon. You don't have to skip the restaurant; smart dining out is all about making the right choices.
Seafood restaurants usually offer broiled, baked, or poached fish, and you can often request butter and sauces on the side. Many steak houses offer small steaks and have salad bars.
Try ethnic cuisines. Italian and Asian restaurants often feature low-fat dishes. though you must be selective and alert to portion size. Try a small serving of pasta or fish in a tomato sauce at an Italian restaurant. Many Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes include plenty of steamed vegetables and a high proportion of vegetables to meat.
Steamed rice, steamed noodle dishes, and vegetarian dishes are good choices too. Ask that the chef cook your food without soy sauce or salt to decrease sodium. Some Latin American restaurants feature a variety of fish and chicken dishes that are low in fat. Make sure you get what you want here are just a few things you can do to make sure you're in control when you eat out.
Choose a meal that contains plenty of brightly colored vegetables. They are rich in fiber, which can make you feel fuller more quickly. Vegetables are also packed with many of the essential vitamins and minerals the human body needs every day, as well.
Skip the Creamy Dressing, Salads are always a healthy option, but opt for vinegar- and oil-based dressing in place of creamy choices like Ranch or Thousand Island. One ladle of creamy dressing can add up to 300 extra calories to your meal, defeating the purpose of choosing a healthy salad over some other options on the menu.
Ask how dishes are cooked. Don't hesitate to request that one food be substituted for another. Order a green salad or baked potato in place of french fries or order fruit, fruit ice, or sherbet instead of ice cream. Request sauces and salad dressings on the side and use only a small amount.
Ask that butter not be sent to the table with your rolls. If you're not very hungry, order two low-fat appetizers rather than an entire meal, split a menu item with a friend, get a doggie-bag to take half of your meal home, or order a half-size portion. When you have finished eating, have the waiter clear the dishes away so that you can avoid postmeal nibbling.
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