Tips for eating out

Eating out can make it really hard to stay on track with your nutrition. It’s just so tempting. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the restaurant minefield safely:

• Know beforehand what’s on the menu. That way you can look for healthy options before you arrive. You’ll know what you need to avoid, change or swap. For example, ask for no cream sauces, the sauce to be on the side, or swap the sauce for a lighter option.
• Have a small, healthy snack beforehand, so you’re not starving and less likely to over-indulge.
• Drink water before and during the meal. This will fill you up and is a better option than alcohol or soft drinks.
• You can ask that your main meal is entree size. If you don’t ask you will never know the outcome. Some restaurants will happily do this and charge you less; others may charge you the same but not plate it up. I find if it’s not in front of me, I won’t eat it.
• Or you can have an entree for your main meal.
• Don’t rush eating. Chew your food slowly which gives your stomach time to feel full before you’ve over-indulged. Chewing your food properly also helps with digestion.
• Share your meal with someone.
• Skip the entree and have dessert. Cutting out one or the other means fewer calories.
• Remember: little changes are better than no changes.