We all love to splurge on dining out at our favorite eateries, but when you’re diabetic, on a strict diet or watching your weight, it can become almost impossible to do so.
Want to continue to eat out while watching your figure? Check out these 8 healthy tips when dining out:
Have a snack before.
A small snack like a banana, apple or protein bar can go a long way. Just before you go to eat out, snack on something small and healthy. That way you cannot feel as hungry as you think you are.
When we go to the grocery store while hungry, we tend to want to buy everything. The same goes for restaurants. If you go hungry, you’ll end up eating and spending more than you initially planned to.
Go with water.
The drinks we love to indulge in like sweet teas, lemonades and sodas are packed with extra unnecessary sugars and calories. Go with water instead to save all your calorie intake for your food.
Start with a salad.
A salad is always a safe place to start. You can get it faster than anything else on the menu and it comes with less guilt. Omit the cheese and croutons and you’ll be off to a good start!
RELATED: 6 Restaurant Tips When You’re Trying To Lose Weight
Ask for healthier alternatives.
In this day and age, all restaurants have an optional healthier menu. If it isn’t clearly labeled or attached to the main menu, ask for a list of their healthier options.
Consider sharing.
If you know the meals at this particular restaurant are on the hefty side, ask your dining partner to split the meal with you. It will not only cut down the costs of your dining experience but also the calories.
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Select from the sides.
Sides are amazing. Group them together, and you have a healthier and lighter meal! Choose from greens, cabbage, sweet potatoes, salads, and the like to create your own version of a low-calorie meal.
Take it to-go.
If you do opt for the full-size plate, when it arrives, split it in half and put it in a to-go box. By the time you’re done eating the other half, you won’t even think about opening up a colder version of what you just had.
Drink tea.
Hot drinks, and teas to be exact, are a great way to finish off any meal. It gives your body a jumpstart to digesting your food. Always order tea before your meal and ask that they bring it out after.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
