6 Tricks to Healthier Restaurant Dining

By Brandi Swieter

Eating healthy should always be the goal for everyone, but restaurant dining doesn’t make that task easy. With a slew of fattening meal options filled with butter and salt, most people dining out consume a high amount of calories that make up their daily count. With a few tricks to healthier restaurant dining, more people can learn how to choose lower calorie options that don’t make them gain a pound instantly.

Stick With Water

Many people opt for an alcoholic beverage or soda while they dine at a restaurant. These drinks contain a high amount of calories and should be avoided when possible. It is best to stick with waterr; the beverage not only has no calorie count but also brings benefits to the body. It should always be the first drink of choice no matter at home or elsewhere.

Divide the Entree

Rather than each person getting their own meal and attempting to eat it all, a better choice is to divide one entree between two or more people. It helps to cut down the portion size and helps you be more aware of how much is really on the plate. It’s even ideal to ask for smaller plates so people are feeling like they have a larger amount on their small plate compared to a small amount on such an oversized portion plate.

Choose a Fruit or Vegetable as the Side

Many entrees come with a side as well, often french fries or other fattening foods. Instead of sticking with the side it comes with, the healthier choice is to pick a fruit or vegetable option. Look at the list of sides or ask what they may have as alternatives to get a healthy, low-calorie side dish.

Choose From the Menu Even at a Buffet

Just because people go to a buffet does not mean they have to go up and grab all sorts of food. There is always the option of ordering from their regular menu instead, which prevents people from overeating. Those who do decide to go the buffet route can still do OK by choosing fruits and veggies and sticking with small portions.

Request Whole Wheats and Grains

Many restaurants automatically serve white bread and white grains. Rather than leaving it to chance, request that the rolls you’re served or the rice you get is made with whole wheat or whole grain instead. Even hamburger buns and pastas can get made with whole wheat if diners ask for it that way.

Ask for Nutrition Information

If the menu already contains nutrition information, be sure to compare a few options to see which would be healthiest. If it doesn’t include it, always ask. This ensures everyone is choosing an option with a fair amount of sodium, fat, and calories without overdoing it.

Use these tricks when dining out for a healthier meal choice. Healthy living starts with healthy eating, and the right decisions need to be made even at restaurants to keep the body in shape.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Decatur, Ga.

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