5 Tips to Navigate Eating Out
When you live in a town as fun as San Francisco or travel often for work, eating out regularly is a reality. Navigating restaurants can be challenging with so many options available. Today I’m sharing quick tips that I offer clients when it comes to eating out. It’s important to remember that eating out, when it is a regular part of your routine is a habit and you have to balance those more indulgent meals with more nutrient dense choices.
Split fun foods with friends
Eating out is more enjoyable when you share a meal with someone else! If you’re with a friend, co-worker or family member that is supportive and maybe has similar health-related goals, consider splitting more calorically dense choices with them! This could look like getting a burger and fries to share (split it down the middle) that’s paired with a salad! Craving pizza? Consider getting a pizza and a salad or side of vegetables to share!
Don’t be afraid to substitute!
People often forget that restaurants focus on accommodating their customers. Whether that be for a food allergy or something else, most restaurants want their clients to leave happy so they come back again. Never be afraid to ask your server if you can substitute french fries for a side salad even if it’s not listed on the menu! Adding vegetables is a great way to add more fiber to your meal, leaving you full and satisfied!
Salads aren’t always the best option
Most people default to salads as the only healthy option at restaurants. What most don’t realize is that when that salad is drenched in dressing, covered in cheese and can feed a family of 5, it may end up being more calories than the burger you were really craving. That being said, salads CAN be a great option when eating out if you are mindful of the more calorically dense choices that can quickly add up! When ordering salads, ask for the dressing, cheese and nuts on the side. This allows you to still have them, but offers more control over the portion size. In addition to thinking about toppings, make sure that your salad is offering you adequate protein. Whether that is a plant-based protein like chickpeas or black beans or a grilled chicken breast or salmon, the protein is going to help keep you feeling full longer. Adding protein, even if it’s not listed on the menu, is often an option so just ask your server!
Box up half your meal before it gets to the table!
If you’re a “clean plate club” person, consider boxing up half your meal before it even gets to the table. Many times we can tell we’re full but the presence of food on the table drives us to keep eating. Remove that temptation and ask your server to box up half to help control portion sizes at restaurants! If you don’t have a friend to split a meal with, consider getting 2 entrees and splitting a burger and salad into one meal and saving the rest for later.
Assess how often you eat out and what you typically order
Take this as a moment to consider how often you eat out. We live in a society that values convenience which in turn means cooking less and eating out more. Unsure of how to make quick and easy meals at home that not only save you money but offer you more nutrient dense choices? Lets chat! Schedule a free initial consult with me below and we can discuss how cooking can be apart of your life without a significant time commitment.
