Tips for eating out

The holidays may well be over but somehow other social events sneak up on you and before you know it, you're eating out again. i.e. birthdays, family or work events, baby showers, etc. So how do you enjoy these events without over indulging, feeling bloated, tired, and possibly hung over? By making smart and healthier choices.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy eating out without feeling guilty.

1. Eat something healthy before you go out such as small bowl of low fat plain yogurt with fresh fruit, a small bowl high-fibre cereal with almond milk and topped with cinnamon. Think high fibre foods to help
reduce hunger and keep you full longer

2. On arrival, drink a glass of water. This will also help you feel fuller and help you from reaching for that
glass of wine too soon! Speaking of wine, if you do order a cocktail, be sure to drink water as well. This will help you from dehydrating and it will help you feel more full. (not to mention decrease the effects of alcohol)

3. When the bread basket comes around the table, (which you should ignore) after everyone has their
share, don't hesitate to ask the waiter to remove it from the table. The longer it's there the more
tempted you may be to have one! (or two, or three)

4. Start with a soup or salad before your main meal. Be sure to choose soups that are vegetable or
bean based. This will help you to feel full which will decrease the likelihood of having dessert later on.

For salads, always ask for dressing on the side. Restaurants tend to be too generous with the amount
they put on their salads, especially Caesar salads.

5. Skip the baked/mashed potatoes (even sweet potatoes) and rice. (unless the restaurant has brown or
wild rice and maybe even quinoa) Instead, ask the waiter for two other vegetables instead with no butter or at least ask for butter on the side.

6. Choose low fat cuts of meat or skinless poultry (or poultry that you can easily remove the skin).
Fish and shellfish are also excellent choices but chose options that are grilled or baked. Stay away from breaded, battered and definitely fried for any kind of meat or poultry!

7. For your main dish, ask for sauces on the side.

8. Desserts. This is a challenge for me and I'm sure I'm not alone! If available, fresh fruits are your best
option and I don't mean fresh fruits accompanied with cheese cake, pie or ice cream!  But, if you have to
try that specialty dessert, ask for extra forks and share it.

9. If you are a coffee drinker and like to end a meal with nice fresh cup of joe or espresso, ask for
decaffeinated. Or, why not try an herbal tea? Restaurants are offering much more varieties these days and some herbal teas even help with digestion and curb sugar cravings.

10. Last but not least, make sure you eat and chew your food SLOWLY.  Often I'll try and chew my food
at least 20 times before swallowing. But who has time to count when you're engaged in a conversation?
Instead, try putting your fork down between every mouthful. This will not only help your digestion system
work better, you'll have more time to savour and taste your meal.


Now that you have some tips for eating out at restaurants, why not apply them to dinner parties? You can even apply them when eating in the comforts of your own home.


Stay active and anything is possible!
Donna