When I was growing up, the only time we went out to eat at a restaurant was on special occasions like birthdays.  The whole family would dress up, pile into the old Ford station wagon with the wood side panels and then drive down to where you could order whatever you wanted to eat and not have to worry about cleaning up after yourself.  It was a real treat.

Those days are long gone.  Drive past any restaurant, even the really bad ones, and you’ll find a parking lot full of cars along with a waiting line at the front desk.  It’s the same story even on school nights!

With most of us struggling to juggle work and family responsibilities, stopping for dinner at a restaurant on the way home is a welcome convenience.  Unfortunately, a steady diet of restaurant food is probably not the healthiest choice you can make.

Here are some healthy tips to keep in mind the next time you’re eating out:

1.  Do some research before you arrive at the restaurant. Do you know what a “normal serving” is?  Do you know the difference in calories and fats between grilling, broiling, and braising?  There are a lot of websites that list the nutritional values of the main dishes of most popular restaurants.  Do a little research so you’ll know which dishes are relatively healthy, and which are gut-busters.

2.  Don’t let what others order influence your food choice. I do it too.  Every time I hear what someone else is ordering, I think, “Ooo, that sounds good.”  If all you originally wanted was a soup and salad, don’t be tempted by whatever anyone else orders.

3.  “Have It Your Way.” Make sure to get your food prepared that way you want it prepared.  Don’t be shy about asking that your food be cooked without butter, salt, or anything else you’re trying to cut down on.  If you get a salad, ALWAYS ask for the dressing on the side.

4.  Split an entre with a friend or make a meal out of appetizers. The portions served in most restaurants are huge.  Sharing with a friend means that you don’t overeat.  Feel funny about ordering one entre and asking for an extra plate?  See tip # 3 above.

5.  Ask that a To-Go box be brought when they deliver your meal. Before taking your first bite, put half of the meal in the to-go box for lunch tomorrow.  I’ve made this recommendation in previous posts and it works.

People eating out more and more frequently has been identified as one of the causes of America’s obesity epidemic.  However, our modern lifestyle makes the traditional, home-cooked, sit-down dinner less and less likely.  Eating at restaurants has become part of our culture.  These tips should help you enjoy the experience of eating out without sacrificing your health in the process.

Hiram
The Balanced Health Guy

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