5 Healthy Tips For Dining Out
In a perfect world, I would make every meal I eat, but "dining out" is a social aspect of our lives.
If you're unable to eat off the meal plan because you're going out to eat, here are some tips on how to make your meal a healthy one.
Make special requests Don't be embarrassed about getting creative with the menu or asking if your dish can be made oil-free. With so many dietary restrictions these days, it's not "weird" to inquire or ask for adaptions. Plus, you're paying to have our meal cooked to order.
Choose your dressings carefully Dressings can be sneaky calorie bombs! Skip the dressing and ask for lemon or lime to squeeze on top instead. You can also try salsa or balsamic vinegar.
Forget about cleaning your plate Restaurants are all about large portions -- they want you to leave feeling full and satisfied. Instead of cleaning your plate, eat half and take the rest home for another meal. Alternatively, eat a salad or filling broth-based soup before your main meal to prevent overeating.
Drink smart Alcoholic beverages, especially cocktails, are high in sugar and loaded with calories. For your health, limit alcohol, but when you do indulge, be responsible (first and foremost!) and try something like orange-flavored vodka with soda water with a slice of orange.
Make the best choice possible Consider what meals might be the healthiest choice for you in the circumstances you're in. This distinction is important. You have to consider your circumstances, not utopia. Use your intuition. You know what's healthy and what isn't. Make the healthiest choice possible and if you end up making a less-than-great-choice, don't beat yourself up! It happens! The best you can do is step forward and make your next choice a great one!
For more tips on how to navigate dining out, there's a huge section in my book, The Happy Herbivore Guide to Plant-Based Living.