16 Tips For Eating Healthy When Eating Out

Of course we encourage cooking from scratch whenever possible, but I understand that once in a while it's nice to have a fun dinner out for a special occasion. If you are watching calories or trying to eat healthy, when you go out to a restaurant to eat, you may find all the options a bit confusing. These tips will help you make the most of your dinner out, while making healthier choices.

sauces (Photo credit: namealus)1. Always order salad dressings or sauces on the side, as this way you have control over how much you add to your meal.

2. When you order grilled fish or vegetables, you should ask that the food be grilled without, or with just a little, butter or oil.

3. Anytime you order pasta dishes, be on the lookout for tomato based sauces instead of the cream based sauces. Tomato based sauces are much lower in fat and calories, and tomato sauce can even be counted as a vegetable!

4. You should always try to drink water or tea instead of soda or beverages that contain alcohol. And beware of diet sodas - they are NOT healthy! They provide ZERO nutritional value, and most are loaded with chemicals that have been shown to actually increase appetite, which is definitely not what you want.

5. If you order dessert, share with a friend. Half of the dessert will equal half of the calories - and you'll still satisfy your sweet tooth.

6. When you choose a soup, remember that cream based soups are higher in fat and calories than other soups. But a soup can be a great appetizer, as most are fairly low in calories and fill you up pretty fast, so you can order a smaller entree.

7. When ordering a baked potato, ask for salsa instead of sour cream, butter, cheese, or even bacon. Salsa is very low in calories and provides a healthy alternative with plenty of flavor and spice.

8. When you are full, stop eating. Listen to your body and what it tells you - it will tell you when you've had enough!

9. If you get full, take half of your meal home. The second portion of your meal can serve as a second meal later. This way, you get two meals for the price of one - and hey, it's always nice to save a little money too, right?

Image via Wikipedia10. If you're looking to eat less, order two appetizers or an appetizer and a salad as your meal. You'll get more variety, and probably save money as well.

11. If you get a choice of side dishes, get a baked potato or steamed vegetables instead of french fries.

12. Always look for food on the menu that's baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed. These types of cooking use less fat in the cooking process and are usually much lower in calories.

13. As key ingredients to your meal, choose dishes with fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables are great sources of dietary fiber as well as many vitamins and minerals.

14. Choose foods made with whole grains, such as whole wheat bread and dishes made with brown rice, if available.

15. If you crave dessert, look for something with low fat, such as berries or fruit. (Or see tip #5 above.)

16. Always remember not to deprive yourself of the foods you truly love, or you will tend to splurge, binge, or otherwise over-indulge later. All types of foods can fit into a well-balanced diet, if you eat them in moderation, and balance them with healthy choices.