Eating Out

Restaurant eating can be daunting when you’re trying to make healthy eating choices. With so many options on the menu, it can be hard to know what to order. Here are a few tips that will make it a bit easier for you.

Remember that many restaurants will accommodate your requests. Don’t be afraid to ask for something that is not on the menu.

Start off Right

If a breadbasket greets you at your table, it would be best to try to skip it altogether or ask your server to take it away so that it’s not a temptation. But, we all know how hard that is when you’re hungry!

Instead of reaching for the cheesy breads or glazed rolls - packed with lots of extra fat and calories - try instead a plain multigrain roll, a bread stick or some crackers.

Pick a healthy appetizer such as a garden salad or a broth-based soup. You could also ask your server for a plate of fresh vegetables as an appetizer.

A Healthy Main Course…of Course!

A good rule of thumb when ordering any kind of meat is to choose a steamed, roasted, broiled, baked or poached item. Avoiding the breaded, fried or sautéed meats will put you in a better position for a healthy meal.

Going meatless is another great option. There are many excellent low-fat vegetarian options.

On the Side

Will it be salad, french fries, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables…the side dish options are often endless. You now even have choice of side dishes in fast food restaurants.

A salad is always a good choice, but ask for the dressing on the side so you can control how much you use. Many dressings are very high in fat and calories. Ask if they have a low-fat option.

Vegetables are a great choice – just watch out for items that are fried, scalloped, creamed or sautéed – they can add calories and fat quickly. If you’re craving carbohydrates and a salad just won’t do, order a baked potato with the butter or sour cream on the side. How about trying the baked potato topped with salsa? This is a delicious fat-free alternative.

Ah, Desserts

The dessert menu is often the most tempting, and there are tips to navigate around this one too! Enjoy some fresh fruit or satisfy an ice cream craving with some low-fat sorbet. If you must have a decadent dessert, order it with two forks and share it with a friend – chances are you’re not really hungry anymore so a small bite will satisfy the sweet craving.

Try a great cup of flavoured tea or coffee. With no calories or fat, it can be a perfect way to complete your meal.

And to Drink?

If you’re watching your weight, look out for hidden calories in beverages. Did you know that a regular soft drink can easily add 200 calories to a meal? And a milkshake weighs in at a hefty 400-700 calories!

Instead choose water with a twist of lemon, diet soda or a glass of calcium-loaded fat-free milk.