Dining Out Tips
Eating out can be quite challenging when you are on a balanced meal plan, have dietary restrictions or allergies. Here are some helpful tips for when those special occasions arise and you are faced with restaurant celebration situations.
Scope out some restaurant menus online in advance. Take a look at what types of healthy options are available. There are a lot of menus out there that have a healthy eating section, gluten free or allergy guides. This way you can choose the best location to dine at that will suit your tastes and meal plan.
When the meal has a choice of side dishes go for the salad or fruit instead of French fries, rice or mashed potatoes as these tend to be a large serving and contain high amounts of additives. Where beverages are concerned water is your best bet! Add some lemon or lime for added flavouring and a refreshing taste.
When ordering salads ask for the dressing on the side, this way you can add as much or as little as you want without all the excess. Add just enough to give it the desired amount of flavor. Try and avoid the creamy dressings where possible, these are higher in calories than vinaigrettes. You can even skip the dressing all together and just squeeze some fresh lemon/lime juice on top instead.
If you cannot find something specific you might be looking for on the menu you can always call a head or ask the wait staff if you can order something not found on the menu (a la carte). For example, ask if you can order grilled chicken or steak with steamed/grilled vegetables and baked potato without all the added sauces and toppings (gravey, sour cream etc).
Read the ingredients that are in the desired meal itself. Ask if a specific item can be minimized or removed altogether. This is extremely helpful if you have any sensitivities or specific known allergies to fruits or vegetables or you just don’t like or want that particular ingredient included.
Bon Appetite!
Scope out some restaurant menus online in advance. Take a look at what types of healthy options are available. There are a lot of menus out there that have a healthy eating section, gluten free or allergy guides. This way you can choose the best location to dine at that will suit your tastes and meal plan.
When the meal has a choice of side dishes go for the salad or fruit instead of French fries, rice or mashed potatoes as these tend to be a large serving and contain high amounts of additives. Where beverages are concerned water is your best bet! Add some lemon or lime for added flavouring and a refreshing taste.
When ordering salads ask for the dressing on the side, this way you can add as much or as little as you want without all the excess. Add just enough to give it the desired amount of flavor. Try and avoid the creamy dressings where possible, these are higher in calories than vinaigrettes. You can even skip the dressing all together and just squeeze some fresh lemon/lime juice on top instead.
If you cannot find something specific you might be looking for on the menu you can always call a head or ask the wait staff if you can order something not found on the menu (a la carte). For example, ask if you can order grilled chicken or steak with steamed/grilled vegetables and baked potato without all the added sauces and toppings (gravey, sour cream etc).
Read the ingredients that are in the desired meal itself. Ask if a specific item can be minimized or removed altogether. This is extremely helpful if you have any sensitivities or specific known allergies to fruits or vegetables or you just don’t like or want that particular ingredient included.
Bon Appetite!
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