Tricks to staying healthy while eating out
- Make it the Rado Way. Make up your own menu items, most restaurants will make it even if it’s not on the menu. If they have an arugula pizza, for example, chances are that you can ask for them to do a plain arugula salad and add-on vegetables they may serve at the restaurant, they will do it. Use a vinegarette and now you have a custom much healthier salad.
- Watch the Salads. Just because an item is labeled a “Salad” doesn’t mean that it is healthier. Restaurants often fill their salads with corn, cheese, and even fried ingredients, all things we don’t recommend. Look for a salad with the freshest ingredients and lots of colors. If your salad looks like a rainbow of vegetable chances are it’s a lot better than a blue cheese crumble salad.
- Easy on the dressing. You can always ask for another side of dressing but tell your waiter to take it easy at first. Some restaurants love to saturate their salads with dressing to make it seem more filling when all they are doing is loading you with extra unhealthy fat and processed ingredients.
- Decline the bread basket. As long as no one else wants the bread at the table, your server will gladly just not deliver the bread. This will make it much easier to not eat. If you are hungry before the food comes, most restaurants will gladly substitute it for raw veggies.
- Skip the drinks. Soda is terrible for you and fancy alcoholic drinks aren’t any better. If you would like a drink consider drinking wine or your spirit of choice on the rocks (or with water or lemon/lime). If you need a little flavor try getting a green tea (unsweetened) or lemon water. Avoid the sugar and you won’t have to worry about counting your refills.
- Don’t forget your To-Go box. Just because a restaurant serves large portions doesn’t mean you need to finish your meal or waste it. Ask for a to-go box and have lunch for the next couple of days.
- Eat slow. It isn’t a race remember that you are there to enjoy the company. Eat slow and give your body time to process your food. This will allow you to only eat for the fuel amount necessary.
- Focus. You want your meal to usually be comprised of three things at a restaurant.
- Healthy Lean Protein – Fish, Chicken, Lean Steak, Turkey, etc.
- Vegetables – Eat the rainbow. Mix up the colors and the fresher the better.
- Carbohydrates – Small amounts are great. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa are perfect examples.
- Skip Dessert. That chocolate piece of cake can be exactly what you don’t need. Instead see if the restaurant offers fresh fruits or berries. Take the healthier route and you will thank yourself later.
