Restaurant Craving Survival Guide

Restaurant Craving Survival Guide.

Dinner is an important time of the day to gather with loved ones and enjoy conversations over a delicious meal. Where these meals take place is completely up to you, and some places may be healthier than others. Food at restaurants typically serve larger portions and tends to be higher in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar. These ingredients enhances the taste and texture of the food which keeps customers coming back. These ingredients are also really cheap so the restaurant is benefitting from this method. However, these ingredients can have a negative effect on your health.

We’ve all been there. The days where cooking dinner, setting the table, then cleaning the mess afterwards sounds exhausting. Or maybe you have am anniversary and neither one of you wants the task of cooking dinner. Going out to eat might sound the most reasonable option. Here are some strategies how to eat healthy when attending a fast food restaurant.

Tip 1: Be prepared for what to order before you walk in. When you go to a restaurant, there are temptations all around you that might influence your decision what to order. For example, the smell of French-fries from the other table might influence you to also order french-fries. By looking up the menu before entering, you can predetermine what you want to order without the temptation of ordering something unhealthy. I know this might sound extra, but believe me, it really helps!

Tip 2: Ask for a “to go” container when for food is delivered. This might sounds a little silly, but it definitely helps with portion control. As stated before, the portion sizes at restaurants are typically bigger than how we would normally serve ourselves. By asking for a “to go” container before eating your meal, you are then able to split the serving in half placing the other half in the container. This eliminates the pressure of finishing the entire plate. This will make the portion size smaller and allow you to have another meal for the next day.

Tip 3. Ask for healthier side options. For many restaurants, French-fries is a common side for an entrée. Fries are high in saturated fat and calories. Typically, restaurants offer different sides that are available to you free of cost. By asking the server “is there anything else I can substitute the fries with” you could potentially get a side salad or steamed vegetables! And don’t forget, the more veggies the better.

Tip 4: Order water. Restaurants always try to upsell by suggesting fancy drinks and beverages The drinks are usually full of added sugar or high fructose corn syrup which can elevate blood sugar levels. We don’t want this to happen L by choosing water, you are not spoiling your appetite and you are eliminating those unnecessary calories coming from sugar. Also, by only ordering water, you are eliminating the beverage cost so your bill will be cheaper saving you more money.

Tip5: Avoid fried foods. The style or cooking method in a food service can also determine the health quality of the food. Anything that is deep fried contains addition fat along with destroying some of the nutrients that food item provides. For example, a common appetizer found in restaurants are deep fried green beans. I know they taste delicious, but once the green beans are saturated in oil, majority of the essential nutrients become destroyedL. Instead, look to see if they have a veggie tray with hummus. This would be a great alternative due to the cooking method.

So next time when you are hesitant on going out to eat, just remember these tips and you’ll be satisfied with your decision.

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