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Most restaurants get a bad reputation for having calorie-bombing dishes. A lot of the time, it’s true. They’ll do anything they can to make their food taste good so people come back. Even if it means making things incredibly unhealthy. Chef Anthony Bourdain, writer and host of the Travel Channel’s No Reservations, says “In a professional kitchen, it is almost always the first and last thing in a pan”. That’s a bad sign for those watching calorie and fat intake.
However, you CAN go out to eat and still eat healthy – you just have to know what to look for.
- Skip the “free” food. For example, bread and butter, or chips and salsa. Both options are essentially empty calories, and who can really just stop at one?
- Look for grilled. If you’re ordering meat or fish, make sure it isn’t fried or smothered in oil before cooking. Grilling is the leanest and healthiest option.
- Ask for your vegetables to be steamed. Steaming vegetables means they are cooked without oil or added sauces. Avoid vegetables that are sautéed, since they are loaded with extra oil.
- Get the dressing on the side. Ordering a salad and having it completely drenched in dressing isn’t tasty or healthy. Ask for the dressing on the side and gently dip your food in to it. That way, that will allow you to control how much is used. Did you know that many restaurants use two ladles of dressing per salad? That can add up to an entire day’s worth of calories!
- Split it in half. A ton of restaurants have huge portion sizes – enough to feed multiple people. If it looks big, ask for a to-go box when you get your food. You won’t over eat, and you will have leftovers. It’s a win-win!
- Communicate with your server. Specifically tell your waiter that you do not want butter, oil or creamy sauces. Most restaurants are eager to please and will gladly accommodate your requests. You’re not the only fitness fiend out there!
We want to hear from you!
What do you do to eat healthy while dining out?
Do you think restaurants have too-big portion sizes?
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