How to Eat Fewer Calories When Eating Out
By Genevieve Cunningham
Everyone loves a good night out on the town, and this is especially true if that night out includes a delicious meal. While we all know it's a little healthier to cook at home, we love to enjoy a scrumptious dinner at a local eatery. Unfortunately, when we eat out, it's often far more calories than we would prefer. Does this mean you have to forgo all occasions of eating out? Definitely not. If you would like to continue enjoying nights out without breaking the calorie bank, take a look at these tips for doing it in a healthy way.
Eat Half
One option for cutting calories is to simply eat less food. Once you get your meal, separate half and set it aside. You can leave that half at the restaurant when you leave, or you can ask for a to-go bag at the end of your meal. Either way, by separating your food in half, you’ll quite literally get half the calories while still satisfying the hunger.
Get a Kid’s Meal
The kid’s meal is almost always far lower in calories than the adult sized portion. Why? Because it’s so much smaller! But honestly, it’s still big enough to satisfy an adult and keep them full. If you need a quick and easy way to lower the calories, just order straight off of the kid’s menu. It may not be the healthiest option, but it’s certainly lower in calories and may fit into your caloric total a little bit better.
Piece Your Meal Together
You don’t have to buy your meals exactly as shown on the menu. While this might sometimes be mandatory, most places are fairly accommodating. Want the grilled chicken but not the fries? Ask for steamed veggies. Interested in the steak but not the mashed potatoes? Ask for the broccoli. By choosing each individual piece of your meal, you can lower the overall calorie count and make a meal more appetizing to your palate and diet.
Eating healthy does not mean that you have to miss out on all the fun. It just means that you have to be smart about it and make good choices. To keep your diet healthy, your calories low, and your health on track, use these tips to choose wisely when eating out.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mint Hill, N.C.