Close
Search

Enter the words or phrases you want to find

Tips for Ordering Healthier Options at Restaurants

Sometimes life happens and we don’t always have time to prepare breakfast in the morning, pack a nutritious lunch, have healthy snacks readily available,and cook a balanced meal for dinner.

If you find yourself unexpectedly stopping at a restaurant for a quick meal, a celebration dinner or to take a break from cooking, go in with motivation to make healthy choices.

Try these meal modifications to stay within your daily calorie intake and still feel satisfied.

Appetizers

  • Choose an item that is not fried (e.g. hummus and pita bread).
  • Instead of taking the complimentary bread and butter (if offered), ask for a side salad instead
  • Opt out of the appetizer altogether if you know that your meal will be filling enough.

Main Dishes

  • Portion sizes are typically much larger at restaurants. Ask for your portion to be halved and packaged before it is brought to the table or ask for a take-out box when your food arrives.
  • Choose baked or grilled chicken or fish instead of fried options.
  • Ask for condiments on the side, especially when choosing burgers or sandwiches.

Side Items

  • Ask for a side salad, fruit or other vegetables as a side option instead of fries.
  • Choose an oil-based salad dressing (Balsamic vinaigrette, Italian, etc.) over a creamy dressing (Caesar, Ranch, Thousand Island, etc.).
  • Ask for dressing on the side with your salad to monitor how much is used, and request that calorie-dense toppings (bacon, croutons, extra cheese) be removed and/or swapped with extra of other vegetables.

Beverages

  • Choose water always! Water is free and will hydrate you better than any other beverage the restaurant offers.

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *