Maintaining a healthy diet when eating out
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Eating out can make sticking to a diet tricky so here are a few tips to guide you to make healthier choices. Of course, if your meal out is a treat then eat whatever you want and enjoy it.
Starters
§ When deciding on a starter, first consider whether you would eat one at home. It might be better to skip the starter, especially if you plan to have a big main dish. § Consider ordering a starter and salad, or two starters, as your main meal, or share a starter. § Choose low‑fat high‑fibre soups such as vegetable or lentil soup. Avoid smooth, creamy soups. § Deep‑fried starters are high in fat and calories so they are best avoided. § If you have bread eat it plain or dip in olive oil rather than spreading it with butter. § If ordering a salad ask for the dressing to be served separately. This way you can control the quantity. Choose a salad without grated cheese, fried croutons, or a special dressing such as Caesar dressing. |
Main Dishes
§ Choose grilled, baked, or roast poultry breast, fish, and shellfish which are low in fat. § Opt for tomato‑based pasta sauces rather than cheese or meat‑based. § Order the smallest portion of meat, or share. If you are hungry order extra vegetables and salad. § Select horseradish, salsa, lemon or lime juice, or mustard instead of rich, high‑fat condiments such as soured cream or mayonnaise. |
Desserts
§ Opt for a healthier dessert such as fruit salad or fresh berries, which are packed with vitamins. If possible avoid the cream. § Avoid fruit pies and tarts. The pastry is high in fat. § Sorbet is a better choice than higher fat ice cream. |
Learn more about nutrition in my best-selling book ‘How to Prevent Burnout’ and my latest book, ‘Life Force. The revolutionary 7-step plan for optimum energy’.