5 Nutritionist-approved tips to eating healthy at restaurants

Dining Out: 5 Nutritionist-approved tips to eating healthy at restaurants

ashley

05 Oct 2017

1/5
Plan ahead
Ever heard 'Planning is key?' Well, these sage words of wisdom aren't just empty platitudes. In the hours leading up to your meal out, try filling up on light, high-fibre foods (think nuts) that'll fill you up and (hopefully) curtail any binging later on. It would also be highly advisable to suss out the menu beforehand. You would be much less likely to cheat on your diet this way.
2/5
Skimp on the drinks
You diet, you exercise, you do all the works- but ever wonder why those pesky pounds seem adamant to stay? Perhaps, it could be attributed to your drink consumption. Many people often forget that drinks contain calories too! Just one meagre glass of cola amounts up to an astonishing 140 calories! Considering that is nearly half of one's recommended caloric intake for dinner, cutting out soda may just be the best option in the long run.
3/5
Control your portions
Contrary to popular belief, binging on salad doesn't make it okay. Believe it or not, but devouring two gargantuan bowls of salad may contain just as much calories than a burger! Restaurants are infamous for their large portion sizes. If you want to nip a few pounds around the tummy, try sharing dishes with others or even order from a kid's menu!
4/5
Play nice with the waiter
Apart from the obvious reason that you shouldn't rankle someone who handles your food, playing nice with the servers can be more beneficial than you think. By gaining rapport with the restaurant staff, your quest for a healthier meal won't be an out-of-reach dream! Ask your server to hold off the sauces, dressings and devilish sides (bread basket anyone?) . Many a time it's the calorie-laden condiments that pack on the pounds. Although pretty much any competent restaurant would cater to your whims, being nice to the help doesn't hurt either!
5/5
Skip the dessert
We know- what better way to end a hearty meal, than with a bowl of extra chocolatey cookie dough ice cream? But you need to pick your battles wisely. Say all you want about 'treating yourself', but the numbers don't lie: Those desserts do you no favours, ladies. It is perfectly alright to have a cheat meal once in a while, but try avoiding the rich desserts served in restaurants. With their penchant for being heavy-handed with the sugar and cream, we wouldn't recommend chowing down some of their brownies.

Navigate your restaurant menu right with these easy tips!

To everyone who has ever been on a diet: we feel you. As rewarding as dieting can be, it can put a damper on our dining experience.

Navigating restaurant menus can be dangerous waters to tread in when you’re trying to diet, but rest assured, it’s not impossible. Adopting easy habits like holding off the sauces, and cutting out soda, go a long way in improving overall body health and weight loss!

Allow us to guide you on the do’s and don’t of healthy eating when dining out. Scroll through the gallery for 5 easy tips to eating healthy at restaurants!

Ashley Anand

Photos: Getty Images

7 ‘Cheat Foods’ that are surprisingly good for you

'Sci-Fi Bob': The #1 brunette hair trend in Hollywood of...

AYANA launches the 1st 5-star luxury resort on Komodo...

Dining Out: 5 Nutritionist-approved tips to eating healthy at restaurants

READ MORE:

React to this post Cancel reply