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In the age of fast food restaurants and ready-made meals, it can be hard to know how to eat healthy when you're on the go. Salad, the top takeout healthy option can be tiring to eat day after day. Also, let's face it: ordering a salad every time you go out to eat can get pretty boring. Here are some tips for how to make healthier choices when eating out:
When you're eating out, avoid processed foods like fried chicken or fish, French fries, and hamburgers. These foods are high in calories and unhealthy fats, and can increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions.
When you do order meat, choose leaner options like grilled chicken or fish, or tofu. These options are lower in calories and unhealthy fats, and will help you to feel fuller longer.
Make sure to get plenty of vegetables with your meal. Vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients, and can help you to reach your daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. A big veggie salad is a nice, healthier treat!
It's easy to overeat when you're eating out, so be sure to watch your portion sizes. If you're ordering an entrée, consider sharing it with a friend or taking half of it home for leftovers. Perhaps you can order many dishes with friends and eat half portions of them.
Sugary drinks like soda, juice, and iced tea can add a lot of empty calories to your meal. Instead, choose water or unsweetened tea.
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It can be tempting to indulge when you're eating out, but some foods are best avoided altogether. Here are some of the worst offenders:
Fried chicken, fish, and French fries are high in calories and unhealthy fats, and can increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions.
Hot dogs, bacon, and sausage are all high in saturated fats and sodium, and can increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions.
Cake, cookies, pie, and ice cream are all high in sugar and calories, and can lead to weight gain if you consume them in large quantities.
Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. There's no harm in getting an occasional alcoholic drink!
Soda is high in sugar and calories, and can contribute to weight gain. Diet sodas may be a better option, but they still contain artificial sweeteners that can have negative health effects.
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While you should avoid the aforementioned unhealthy foods, there are plenty of healthy diet options to choose from when you're eating out. Here are some of the best:
A salad is a great way to get your recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Be sure to watch your portion size, and avoid adding high-calorie toppings like croutons, cheese, and bacon. You can ask for a nice salad dressing instead.
Soup is a great starter or side dish, and can be a good source of protein and vegetables. Avoid cream-based soups, which are high in calories and fat.
Fish is a great source of lean protein, and can be prepared in a variety of healthy ways. Avoid fried fish, and opt for grilled, baked, or broiled options instead.
Chicken
Chicken is another great source of lean protein. Be sure to avoid fried chicken, and choose grilled, baked, or roasted chicken instead. You can go for a savory grilled chicken sandwich!
Vegetables have fewer calories and high nutrients, making them a great addition to any meal. Be sure to get a variety of colors and types of vegetables to get the most benefit.
Fruit is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Choose fresh fruit instead of juice, which is high in sugar.
Whole grains are a good source of fiber and other nutrients. Choose options like brown rice, quinoa, and oats instead of white bread or pasta. Maybe you can even share a bread basket with your friends!
Water is essential for good health, and should be your go-to beverage choice. If you're looking for something with flavor, try adding a slice of lemon or lime when you drink water.
It's not always easy to get healthier food when eating out. But there's more than enough food that's healthy, if you know where to look. Numerous low carb options are also available nowadays as healthy choices.
You can also try flavorful food that still boast high nutritional value. You can go for healthy Chinese food, Italian antipasto salads, or even just well drained marinated vegetables from local restaurants. Following these tips can help you to make healthier choices when eating out.
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Look for grilled or baked options, choose dishes with plenty of vegetables, opt for water or unsweetened beverages, and ask for dressings and sauces on the side to control portions and reduce added calories.
Yes, consider ordering salads with lean protein, whole grain options, or vegetable-based dishes instead of fried or heavily sauced items to make healthier choices when dining out.
Mindful eating is the practice of consciously paying attention to what and how you are eating. This practice allows you to enjoy your food more and listen to your body's natural hunger and fullness cues. It can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Yes, most restaurants offer options for dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free, and chefs are often willing to accommodate special requests or modifications to meet individual needs.
Yes, by making mindful choices, balancing indulgences with healthier options, and focusing on enjoying the dining experience rather than feeling restricted, it's possible to eat healthily while dining out.