A few years ago, I would have had heart palpitations thinking about eating out at a restaurant – it’s sad, but true. Once I really got into health and fitness and understood the importance of nutrition, I was dead set on my goals and wasn’t going to let anything detract from that. At that time, dining out meant a complete indulgence; after I would leave a restaurant, I would feel guilty and as if I took ten steps backwards.
Slowly, but surely, my approach towards healthy living changed. If you’ve been reading my blog from the beginning, I’m sure you know what I mean. I went from a “hardcore” / “no excuses” approach to one that is maintainable long-term and most importantly, one that is enjoyable. After college, I started having all sorts of real world revelations; one was that enjoying the process is just as important as enjoying the destination. What’s the point of being healthy, fit and lean if you’re not happy and enjoying it??
So, with that said, restaurants have become a part of my life. The truth is, a few years ago, I didn’t know how to eat healthy outside my own kitchen, but now I do. And, I’m going to teach you! Again, this is just how I eat when I’m staying on track with the LG Meal Plan; if it’s a treat meals, NONE of these rules are followed (( and by none, I mean not even a consideration lol ))
Here’s the healthy process I take to dining out:
(1) I check the menu prior
This is really only something I do when I’m eating out with other people or going to a restaurant I’m not familiar with. It’s a good step to take if you don’t want to spend 20 minutes finding a healthy option on a menu. Most restaurants have online menus, so it makes it pretty easy!
Also, if you struggle with will power, try this one out! Picking a healthy option prior will help you not give into temptations when you actually arrive at the restaurant. So often, I’m confident like, “I”m going to order a salmon salad” then I arrive and I end up with a bacon cheeseburger and fries – I swear there’s something in the air at restaurants.
(2) I Skip/Limit the Bread Basket
Know
yourself…if you can have a few chips and salsa or just one piece of
bread, go for it! I, on the other hand, cannot. If I have one chip, I’m
eating the whole basket. I know that about myself, so the best habit
I’ve adopted is to ask the waiter not to even bring the bread or chip
basket. It’s too tempting for me.
yourself…if you can have a few chips and salsa or just one piece of
bread, go for it! I, on the other hand, cannot. If I have one chip, I’m
eating the whole basket. I know that about myself, so the best habit
I’ve adopted is to ask the waiter not to even bring the bread or chip
basket. It’s too tempting for me.
(3) I focus on fluids
Restaurant meals are often high in sodium, which can lead to water retention/bloating. So, to help combat this, I always focus on drinking plenty of water: before, during and after dinner. You know I love lemon water for its natural diuretic properties, so I almost always ask for slices of lemon when I’m dining out.
(4) I specify cooking instructions
When I order, I’m always sure to specify some type of cooking instruction. This is important because so often healthy dishes are made unhealthy due to the way they are prepared. Things I like to ask for are grilled, olive oil versus butter, sauce on the side, light on this or that, etc. I’ve found if you’re polite, restaurants are more than willing to accommodate your requests.
(5) I properly portion out everything
If you follow the LG Meal Plan, you know where I’m going with this. Portions are the key to staying on track when dining out because restaurants have no sense of portion control. Just the other day when my meal was brought out, there was a pile of rice the size of my head (( if only that went straight to the booty lol )) It’s important to know that it’s okay to leave leftovers! I like to section off what I know I’m should eat and what should be left over. If you leave with a take-home box, you’ve done a good job 😉
The portion topic has become, hands down, my favorite way to enjoy at restaurants or even a few indulgences at home without getting off track. It’s so important that I teach a complete way to ensure you’re getting enough without the excess in my LG Meal Plan’s Eat Your Way Lean ebook if you’re interested in learning more on how I do that + my complete nutrition approach.
If you want to check out the free sample preview of Eat Your Way Lean -> click here
I hope these tips help you all enjoy a delicious, healthy dinner out while staying on track and enjoying!
i am going gym before one week…what food i need to take .can i take protien powder ….It is good …Which powder is best???