Dining out can be healthy! As long as you are well prepared, there is nothing to worry about. Taking the time to pick your restaurant wisely or scope out the restaurants nutritional information ahead of time is definitely the best way to know what you’re getting into and how to make healthy choices. Even if you can’t get your hands on the nutritional information, there are ways to make smart decisions at any type of restaurant.
Look over the menu beforehand. Even if there’s no nutritional info online, checking out your options ahead of time can really help you to prepare. Then you can focus on the pre-dinner conversation instead of what it is you are going to order. If you are not prepared with what you are going to order, the heavy cream pasta dish may sound too enticing!
Don’t arrive super hungry! Sure, it might seem like a smart idea to cut back during the day in order to indulge at dinner, one would think. But in your ravenous state, you’re more likely to make a not-so-smart food decision. Sounds funny but eat before you head out the door. You don’t want to be overly hungry and by the time you get to the restaurant, sit down order and get your food, it could be several hours!
Appetizers are your friends. You just need to know which ones to choose! Skip the basket of bread or tortilla chips. Stick with broth-based soups (not cream based), starter salads (minus croutons and cheese, with dressing on the side), shrimp cocktail, seared tuna and steamed mussels or clams. Those will take the edge off your hunger for not a lot of calories.
Look for lean protein-based entrées with plenty of veggies. Think chicken breast, shrimp, fish, etc. Avoid breaded and fried items; opt for grilled or baked. If the protein comes in a sauce, order the sauce on the side or remove it all together. You can ask for a little salsa or balsamic vinegar (not vinaigrette!) either of these will add tons of flavor for very few calories and no fat. If the sides listed are things like pasta, potatoes or rice, ask to exchange them for steamed or grilled veggies. Always mention NO butter. Even if the menu doesn’t mention butter, which 10/10x it doesn’t, you would be surprised but restaurants use butter on everything! Mention no oil or low on the oil. Typically oil is used while grilling and a little is fine but be sure to ask them to go light.
Pay attention to portion size. It’s not just about what you order, but also how much of it you eat. Even plain chicken adds up if you eat a large amount. Fill up on that salad and those veggie sides, and stick with reasonable amounts of the other stuff.
For dessert, your best option is to either opt out or go for a dish that includes fresh fruit. Maybe even a Biscotti or a scoop of fruity sorbet is another good option. If you’re easily tempted by fattening desserts, stash some low-cal/sugar free hard candies or gum in your purse for after dinner. That should hold you over until you get home, where you can enjoy something sweet yet a little more guilt-free. You may be even better off bypassing the restaurants desert and heading out for some frozen yogurt! Frozen yogurt is better than any high fat/high calorie dish you will get at the restaurant!
Overall, don’t stress too much. If you are prepared, there is no reason to stress! Just do your best and enjoy your night out. Happy dining!
