Navigate Dining Out

Going out to eat is one of the hardest things when you are trying to maintain a healthy food regimen.  First, there is the question of where to go and then there is the question of what to eat.  Even when you can find a good option, the worst is getting there and then being surrounded by the temptation of all the other foods you’ve been resisting.  You see that juicy BBQ Burger on the menu and then see that the restaurant has your favorite craft brew on tap.  NOOOOO!!  The temptation is just too great to resist!  (And yes, I have fallen into that temptation) 

So it happened once or twice, but you don’t want to fall into that routine of terrible restaurant food all the time.  You are also aware that some days you don’t feel like preparing a meal at home.  I personally enjoy going out to eat because I enjoy the ambience as well.  Good company, good service, cute place, possibly an awesome patio, nice music, people watching galore, the whole shebang. 

So, what to do?

When possible, plan ahead.  Most restaurants have their menus posted online and the bigger chain restaurants will include nutrition facts for their menu; try to veer towards places with healthy options and food choices that are smaller portions sizes.  Nowadays there are chain restaurants that serve and accommodate healthier options such as Lyfe Kitchen, Panera Bread and Protein Bar, not to mention little local places that are rising up here and there. Also, be assertive and speak up if there is a place you’d rather go because of its menu, your friends and family could learn from you how to be more conscientious when dining out.

It is possible to still go out and enjoy yourself while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  It just takes a little more work.