We eat out a lot, whether because we’re busy or just because we like it. If we aren’t careful, this habit can get in the way of our plans to be healthy. But that doesn’t mean it has to! Eating out can be a part of a healthy way of life. We need to know how to make good decisions.
Today, we’ll give you six tips to help you figure out how to order at any restaurant.
1. Do research before going
Most restaurants’ menus are on their websites, so it’s best to check them out before you go. If you go to a restaurant when you’re starving, you might order something you’ll later regret. If you plan, you’ll be able to choose the healthiest foods.
2. Don’t just look at the names of the dishes
The purpose of the title of a food item, movie, song, or book is to get your attention. But don’t just look at the names of the meals. Look at the descriptions of the dishes to find the information you need.
For example, Kickin’ Chicken Southwest Salad sounds good. It’s called salad, so you might think it’s all healthy. The description says it has lettuce, tomatoes, fried tortilla strips, crispy chicken, two kinds of cheese, guacamole, and spicy ranch dressing. This tells you that most toppings have a lot of fat and calories. You may still order the salad, but now you’ll know how to limit the fat and calories you eat at your next meal or snack.
3. Get to know the terms
Ensure you understand what the menu descriptions say now that you are reading them. The chicken in the example above is said to be crispy. This is another way of saying that it is probably breaded and fried. I’ve made a short menu cheat sheet for you below. See this glossary for more detailed information.
- Butter, cream or milk, and/or cheese are often used to make: Au gratin, alfredo, béarnaise, beurre blanc, béchamel, creamed, hollandaise and velouté
- Different ways to say “fried”: breaded and crunchy.
- Usually lower in fat and calories because little or no oil or butter is used for cooking them. You can grill, bake, poach, broil, roast, steam, stir-fry, and lightly sauté the meat.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
What does something mean on the menu or how it’s made? Ask! Staff members are there to help. Ask them what they think is good to eat and good for you.
Also, feel free to ask about alternatives. Can they grill the food instead of frying it? Can a salad be substituted for the side of fries? Can they use whole wheat bread instead of white bread if the sandwich comes on white bread?
5. Get food that you really like
You might hear people repeatedly say that you “should” eat this or order that. Figure out what healthy foods you like to eat. Eat those, but skip the ones you don’t like. Forcing yourself to eat foods you don’t like is not a good idea. Having said that…
6. Try something different
When you eat out, you can try new foods, flavors, and even cultures. Order something you’re interested in from the menu. Ask the waiters or waitresses to explain how it tastes. I also think you should order something you don’t usually cook at home. Going out to eat is a great way to try new things and get ideas for what you could learn to cook.
7. Take it easy and pay attention to your body
Restaurant portions are getting bigger and bigger. You don’t need to eat everything on your plate. Also, just because a meal comes with sides or desserts are on sale doesn’t mean you have to order them. Listen to your body and notice what it’s telling you.
It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to let the brain know it’s full. Isn’t that cool? So, take your time eating and enjoy the people you are with. “Enough is as good as a feast!” Mary Poppins said.
Wrapping It All Up
Be yourself – that’s the moral of the story. You’re looking at that baked bacon mac and cheese with five kinds of cheese and a blooming onion as an appetizer. Ask yourself one simple question, “Will this make me feel good after I eat it?”
Suppose the answer is yes, more power to you. But chances are you’d end up with twin food babies in your stomach, which probably doesn’t feel good. Don’t deprive yourself; enjoy yourself! Just keep doing what you’re doing to be clean, healthy, and happy. Don’t be hard on yourself if you give in. Find something good about what you just ate and move on. Life is too short not to enjoy food.