Being healthy whilst eating out almost seems like an impossible feat. Here are a few tips on what to order so you can be good to your body but still have a good night too!

• Choose a smaller serving size
• Drink plain or sparkling water instead of alcohol or sugary soft drinks
• Avoid deep fried starters which are common at Asian and Indian restaurants and instead opt for fresh san choy bau, sushi, rice paper rolls, tandoori chicken or chicken tikka
• Try to select meals that contain a lot of vegetables such as stir fries
• If ordering rice, order plain steamed rice as opposed to fried rice, or coconut rice.
• Opt for dishes with tomato based sauces instead of high fat, creamy alternatives when dining Italian.
• Ask for salad dressing or other condiments on the side and order vegetables without butter
• Do not over order!  You may find your main meal is enough to satisfy you and you don’t need to order those extra side dishes.
• Choose lean cuts of meat that have been grilled
• Swap a serving of chips or wedges for vegetables or salad
• Share a dessert with a friend if you can’t resist, or forego the dessert for an espresso coffee to satisfy the sweet craving at the end of the meal

 

Overall it is important to keep it balanced when you eat out. If you forgo an entree and enjoy a light main then why not treat yourself to some vanilla ice cream.  If you have a heavier main then perhaps give the dessert a miss.  The most important thing is to order wisely so you enjoy yourself and don’t be so strict that you go home hungry!

Source: www.healthyweightweek.com.au