Eating out can be highly disruptive when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I eat out more than I should. I have meetings over breakfast or lunch. And most evenings, I have a social event.
As I’ve aged, my metabolism has slowed, and eating out has not helped manage my weight.
So what do I do?
I try every day to pay attention to what I eat AND how much I eat.
Some days, I’m more successful than other days. But I know each day, I have a chance to get back on track.
Here are some helpful things I do, which may also work for you if you eat out frequently and struggle to remain healthy.
1- Review the menu online
Before going to a restaurant, I review the menu online. I decide which entrée to order.
In this way, I’m not tempted to order something less healthy at the restaurant.
2- Look for healthy options on the menu
Most restaurants offer healthy options, such as reduced sodium or calories.
Ordering something else can be tempting but I remind myself of my goal to maintain my weight.
3- Ask for salad dressing on the side
If I order a salad, I ask for the dressing to be placed on the side.
I enjoy eating salad without dressing. But occasionally, I’ll dip my fork in the dressing before adding the salad.
In this way, I’m not offsetting my healthy meal with unhealthy fats, sodium, and added sugars found in many dressings.
4- Ask for sauces on the side
Some entrees have a sauce covering the protein. Even some vegetables have a sauce on them.
For both instances, I ask for my sauce on the side. Most sauces have a lot of sugar, sodium, or butter.
5- Order water
Water is an excellent substitute for high-calorie sodas. I usually add a slice of lemon to my water.
Drinking water can also slow down alcohol consumption if you drink a glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage order.
6- Know your weaknesses
My weaknesses are bread and desserts. If I don’t have the option to refuse the bread basket or fresh loaf, I limit myself to one slice.
I’ll either refuse the dessert menu or limit how much I eat so I can order dessert.
I constantly remind myself that I won’t receive a medal for cleaning my plate.
7- Put down your fork after each bite
It’s challenging, but I try to put down my fork after each bite.
I focus on the conversation instead of shoveling food in my mouth.
When dining out, it’s often easy to mindlessly eat – meaning you continue eating after your body has indicated it is full.
Eating out exposes you to high-caloric and high-sodium meals. Trying to maintain healthy choices without appearing neurotic can be challenging.
For me, it’s self-discipline and knowing the impacts of unhealthy choices.
I’m not perfect every day – I’m only human – but I’ve learned not to berate myself for mishaps. I just try to make sure these mishaps don’t occur daily.
Remember, eating healthy will lower your future healthcare expenses.
(Update to original post from March 25, 2016)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”