After 11 weeks of finding healthy recipes and checking out favorite restaurants for healthy choices, it is time for a close. For anyone who is still trying to continue eating healthy while going out to eat, and even at home, here are a few tips to do so on your own. Fortunately, many restaurants are becoming more health savvy by creating menus under a certain amount of calories. But for those who haven't reached that point yet, it is still easy to stay on your diet.
Going to a restaurant hungry is probably the worst thing you can do when you're trying to eat healthy. The food choices you usually cave in for will look even more appetizing, tempting you to ruin your diet and feeling awful afterwards. If you are starving before going out, drink a glass of water and nibble on some fruit. The high water in-take will make you feel full without consuming many calories.
Buffet's are never diet friendly because they offer a large selection of an unlimited amount of food! The best solution when eating at this type of restaurant it to grab a smaller plate so that even though you have a smaller portion, your plate will still be full. Eat slowly and enjoy your food.
If you want to order an appetizer or a side, always consider the soup. Most soups have more water content resulting in fewer calories and causing you to feel full faster. But make sure you stay away from creamier soups and aim towards broth-based soups made with beans or veggies. If you are choosing a side and soup isn't an option, don't give in to the fries even though your entree is considered low calorie! Ordering the greasy fries will defeat the purpose of ordering something healthy for your main course. Instead, steal a few fries from your friend’s plate to ease your craving; I’m sure they’ll make sure you keep your limit.
When it comes to salads, choose a one with a light vinaigrette dressing. Vinaigrette dressings can actually be a lot tastier than they sound. If you can't seem to break the relationship with ranch, try asking your server for half vinaigrette and half ranch; less calories but you still have your creamy ranch fix.
We all love those restaurants that bring out bread or chips and salsa, but they are guilty for adding a lot of extra calories because you’re hungry and the food is free! Only grab a small portion and tell yourself you’re done. Keep it out of your eye sight if you have to. Out of sight out of mind right? You don't want to ruin your appetite and become full before your meal arrives anyways. And if you ordered something healthy, chowing down on the complementary appetizer will make up for the calories you subtracted by not choosing the greasier entree.
When it comes to ordering your drink with your meal, try to stay away from sodas and other sugary juices. These drinks are very refreshing and tasty but they contain a big amount of sugar which comes with a lot of calories! If you can't seem to stick with water, try ordering water along with a bowl of extra lemons. Sprinkle a tiny bit of artificial sweetener and voile! You have a low calorie lemonade! Lemons also have very many health benefits that can lower blood pressure and cleanse out the toxins in your body.
Altogether, make sure you choose options with baked lean meats, without the crusts or sauces. Certain sauces may sound healthy but they can easily be cream based, which packs in major calories, making that grilled chicken or fish not so healthy. I have always been told to stay away from white or light colored foods; they always tend to have the most calories.
Curious about how many calories your favorite dish at your favorite restaurant has? It's easy to find out! Just Google the menu of your ideal restaurant and they normally have the nutritional info. If your favorite meal has too many calories for your liking, open yourself up to the healthier options.
Even when cooking at home, there are millions of recipes that are tasty but also healthy. Always remember to keep an open mind when it comes to different food options. Also eat slowly, savoring every bite. It takes a few minutes for your brain to actually register you are full after you eat, so give your body time to digest before deciding you need more.
It is hard to break end your relationship with your favorite, to die for unhealthy food choices, but eventually you will learn to love eating light. Trust me, I know. But not only will it make you look better, it will also make you feel better physically and mentally. Your body will thank you!
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