Essential Tips for Healthier Restaurant Eating

I'm trying to cut some weight. My metabolism just isn't what it used to be. Besides, I know that as I get older, shoving fried, greasy, foods down my throat isn't the best thing I can do for my body. One obstacle, that's difficult to overcome, is eating out.

It's easy for me to prepare delicious, low fat, good for me meals at home. However, I do have a family. My family likes to go out to eat. I decided to put together this article which has some tips and tricks I've picked up through the years (I've always kind of had to battle weight) and put them together to help anyone else who is in the same situation I am in.

In today's society, eating out is more of a necessity than a luxury. We're very hard pressed for time. On top of having a hectic work schedule, we also cart our family or friends around and we try to make the most of what little free time we actually have. Because of all of this, most of us have to rely on eating out at least once a day.

Unfortunately, our hectic lifestyles also leave little room for time to get proper exercise. Also, the majority of food offered to you when you eat out, is not health friendly. If you're trying to eat healthier or trying to lose weight, the best way you can do it is to prepare all your meals at home.

However, as mentioned, eating out is almost a necessity. Not to mention, your family, significant other, or spouse isn't going to want to stop dining out. That means potential disaster for you. Did you know that some full course restaurant meals can add up to 1,000 calories or more?

If you are persistent and vigilant in your desire to eat healthier, you don't have to fear going to a restaurant to dine. You just have to be more conscious of the food choices you make and not easily be swayed by temptation. If you heed the advice this article offers, you can have a guilt free and enjoyable trip to the restaurant.

Skip on ordering an appetizer, unless the restaurant offers a raw vegetable platter as an appetizer. Most appetizers are deep fried then smothered with an obscenely high calorie sauce. As stated, if you can get an appetizer comprised of all raw vegetables do so. Ask for a low calorie dressing to dip them in. Don't smother them in the dressing. Just because its low calorie doesn't mean you should drown your vegetables in it. Moderation is the key.

Make sure you order a salad either as one of your sides, or as an additional item. The salad is very important. The raw vegetables and lettuce will help to fill you up, without being heavy in calories. However, make sure you order a dressing which is comprised of oil and vinegar, or is low calorie. Always order your dressing on the side. You can cut down significantly on the calories from the dressing by having it on the side. You should also dip your fork in the dressing, and then get a fork full of salad. By dipping the fork in the dressing with every bite, you're also cutting down on your caloric intake.

You can also choose to have soup as one of your sides. However, make sure that the soup is not a cream based soup. Cream based soups are very high in calories and fat. It's best to choose a broth based soup. Soup is also another food which will fill you up without consuming too many calories.

Your entrée should always consist of food which has been prepared by either being baked, grilled, broiled, poached or steamed. If your food is prepared in any of the ways mentioned above, they will not contain as much fat as other methods of preparation. If you order a pasta dish, be sure that you choose a tomato based sauce. A cream based sauce will have extra amounts of fat and calories packed into it. A tomato based sauce is a much healthier choice.

If you can choose a baked potato as a side, request salsa as the topping. You will be pleasantly surprised at how delicious this is. If you can skip on the cheese, sour cream, butter, and bacon you're doing yourself a big favor. Don't forget to eat the skin. The skin of the potato is packed with nutrients and will also help to fill you up.

Portion control is also a must. In America, restaurants are competing for your dollars. Unfortunately, at least for the health and waist lines of the country, they do so by giving more than generous portions. Restaurants understand that we expect a lot of food for our money. While this is good for us in one sense, it's very terrible in another.

The amount of meat you should consume should be equivalent to the size and thickness of a deck of playing cards. It should fit in the palm of your hand. Just because the restaurant gives you a gigantic helping, doesn't mean that you should consume it all in one sitting. Make a second meal out of it. By doing this, you're staying healthy and you truly are getting value for your money.

Be aware of what you order to drink. Water with a lemon wedge is the best thing you could drink. However, if you must indulge in anything else, make sure it's diet. Also, try and steer clear from any alcoholic drinks. If you must have an alcoholic drink, make sure it's made with clear alcohol, mixed with a diet soda or flavored water. The dark liquors contain more sugar and calories than clear liquor.

Watch your sugar intake. If you have the willpower, forget dessert. However, if your sweet tooth is aching, then you can still indulge a little bit. Try to order a dessert that is made primarily from fruit or berries. If there is a sauce, ask for it on the side. Do the same trick with your fork that was recommended for your salad dressing. Again, restaurants seem to believe they have to deliver a gigantic dessert so you feel you get value for your money. Beware, watch your portions. Always share if at all possible.

If you stick to the suggestions made above, you will be able to leave the restaurant full, but not full of excess calories and fat. It can be difficult to forego the temptations of the deep fried, cream or sauce covered dishes. However, your health and waist line will thank you for sticking to a healthier eating plan. Once you make the decision to eat healthier and truly stick with it, it will become second nature. You won't even miss the fatty, calorie-laden foods so prevalent in most restaurants today.