7 Tips for Healthier Eating When Eating Out

It can be tough trying to stay healthy. Wether you’re living in the big city or the out on the countryside there are always temptations around us, but staying healthy shouldn't mean giving up the things we love and luckily it doesn’t. Here are seven ways you can revamp your dining to improve your new found healthy lifestyle.

1. Restaurant Choice

This should go without saying, but restaurant choice is a huge part about being healthy. Not every restaurant will offer the same options so its helpful to look up menus online beforehand and see what you're signing up for.

ex. Steves Poke Bar is an amazing Vancouver based restaurant that offers inexpensive poke bowls which are full of healthy amazing foods such as fish, corn, ginger, crab, edamame beans, and more! You also have the choice between white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Oh, and they’re on Skip the Dishes as well! Yum!

2. Say Bye to White Bread

White bread is a huge source of empty carbs and has little to no nutritional value for you. Trying to avoid this popular powerhouse may be tough but I assure you it can be done! Try asking if there are any other bread options, because most often they’re are!

ex. At Red Robins and most food restaurants you can get your burger wrapped in lettuce instead of bread!

3. Water Please!

Now if you’re like me then you probably order a pop every time you eat out. Well, it’s time to leave that habit back in 2018 because pop is one of the worst things you can give to your body. One tiny little can of pop contains roughly one third of your daily sugar intake, not to mention the acidity will also lead to tooth decay, yuck!

ex. Sick of water? Ask your waiter if they could grab you a slice of lemon. Pop this in your water and magically you have your own lemon water. An amazing way to detox your body and also cut back on those nasty sugars. It also tastes great!

4. Grilled > Fried

Yes fried chicken may taste amazing but switching to a grilled option may be exactly what your body needs. When chicken is fired it adds a lot of unnecessary fats and oils to your meal, so switching to grilled can reduce that.

ex. At McDonalds all their chicken wraps and salads come with the option of either crispy or grilled chicken at no extra cost.

5. Portions

A really easy way to help keep your meals in check is with portions. Just because it’s only an extra $2 for fries and a drink doesn't mean you should get it. Also, if you're looking to shed a couple of pounds this 2019 this is a simple and easy way to do so!

6. Sauce

Sauces may taste amazing but often times there the worst part of your meal health wise. They can often contain TONS of sodium, sugars, fats, the list goes on. You don't have to completely give up sauce, however (although recommended). Try asking for only half the sauce, or even sauce on the side. Another option is seeing if there’s a light sauce option, you never know.

ex. Light cesar dressing instead of regular, or using olive oil and balsamic vinegar as dressing instead.

7. The Art of Substitution

Now, I know we all love a side of fries with our meal but there’s so many other healthier options available to us that we often don't even know about. Next time you’re out dinner try asking your waiter if you can get a side of steamed vegetables instead of your fries, or maybe a salad with balsamic vinegar dressing. The choices are there, all you have to do is ask!