Someone once said, "The fancier the restaurant you go to, the less you get, which is better for you".
Eating out can be a gamble especially for people who are watching their weight or managing certain health conditions. However, sticking to a healthy diet doesn't mean you can't dine out. One important thing to do is check out the restaurant you are going to prior your visit, and surf through the menu. It is recommended to have a few choices already picked instead of deciding on the spot and possibly get tempted to pick the fatty dishes...
To begin with, eat at your usual times. Be sure to eat your regular meals and snacks and avoid skipping meals in an effort to "save" calories before a big meal. By doing this, you will disrupt your eating schedule and will get hungry at odd times and end up consuming larger portions than you otherwise would. Snacks could be eaten between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner. Examples of healthy snacks include raw nuts, fruits, or protein bars which are considered super foods. Remember to choose the browns instead of the whites, for example: brown bread, brown rice, brown sugar ...
For breakfast, when it comes to eggs, stick to scrambled or boiled eggs. Depending on the amount of eggs in the portion, ask for fewer yolks. Try to limit the sweets and choose freshly squeezed juices instead of processed juices. Oatmeal is a good option too; it is rich in fiber, omega 3, fiber, and potassium.
For lunch and dinner, limit the amount of carbohydrates such as potato, rice, and bread and stick with grilled proteins such as fish, chicken, or beef. Choose baked, boiled, or grilled instead of friend. The platter would usually be accompanied by a side salad and/or French fries however; steamed vegetables could be a good substitute. Even if you decide on having a salad as a main dish, be careful, sauces are not our best friends while keeping healthy or trying to lose weight. Whether you go for a salad or a main dish, order the sauce on the side so you could control how much you would like to add to your dish.
Last but definitely not least, STAY HYDRATED by drinking lots of water and don't forget to limit your alcohol and avoid sugary drinks. Always keep a bottle of water near you; it will help remind you to drink water.
By C. Maalouf
