Kim's Top 10 Tips To Healthier Dining Choices

Do you dine out all the time and use that as an excuse not to make healthy choices at a restaurant? Even when you're dining out, you can make healthier choices. If you are looking for a long-term healthy weight-management plan, then you will ultimately need to change your lifestyle and how you approach food even when eating out. Here are my top 10 tips to help you eat out without thought.

1. Ask your waiter to hold the bread! Snacking on the bread at the table while
waiting for your meal to arrive can quickly turn into a meal itself.
2. Order water instead of soda. Not only is the sugar in soda bad for you, but
will save on your wallet. If you are really wanting something other than
water try coffee, un-sweeten ice tea or fat free skim milk.
3. Look for items on the menu which offer healthier options or smaller portions.
4. Ask to substitute those fries for a small house salad or other vegetables.
5. When ordering a salad always ask for dressing on the side and make sure to
ask for light or fat free dressing. By dipping your fork each time you want
dressing will actually help you to use less.
6. Ask your waiter to cook your foods in a particular way. For example please
ask to not cook my vegetables in butter or could I have grilled chicken,
shrimp, fish instead of fried.
7. Remember portion control when eating out. Many times restaurants give
you enough food for 2 meals. Try to challenge yourself and ask for a to go
box in advance, then put part of your meal in the box before you even begin
to eat!
8. Choose restaurants you know will offer healthier options and will prepare
your food just how you deserve it-clean! It’s ok to repeat the same
restaurants week after week, because this way you know you will be
satisfied and can keep on track with your plan.
9. Avoid foods cooked in cream sauces, heavy dressings, or fried as they tend
to be high in fat and calories.
10. If you must have desert or this is your treat for the week, then get it! I
know this sounds crazy, but it is better for you to order desert out then
buying an entire cake from a store. This will limit you to one serving and
eliminate from eating more later.