How to Eat Healthy When You're Eating Out

You've just started a new diet and exercise routine. You're doing great following the diet, and you've made it to the gym a few times...but then your friends ask you to go out to dinner....at your favorite restaurant. If you're like me, you might get a bit worried. Personally, I can be healthy at work because I pack my lunch at night when I'm not hungry and that's all I have to eat all day. For dinner at home, I can eat a pre-packaged healthy choice and be satisfied. Yet, when it comes to going out for dinner, I have no self-control. With all the tempting entree options, appetizer choices, and calorie-filled alcoholic beverages, my brain tells me no while my mouth forms the words "I'll have the chicken tenders with french fries, a side of ranch, and a margarita." When she asks if I want an appetizer, I instinctively say no - "because I'm saving room for dessert. The brownie sundae."

Well, you don't want to ruin your social life because you're on a diet. Then you'll be more miserable than you already are from being on a diet, right?! Here are a few easy tips that I've used many times to help myself save some calories when eating out. I must admit that I sometimes fail and need to practice what I preach, but either way, these are great tips to try and follow!

Most of us are aware by now that we should avoid bad carbs such as white bread, white rice, and regular noodles by replacing these with whole-grain, whole wheat products. However, when ordering at a restaurant, we often indulge in whatever carbohydrate is offered with the meal. Instead, ask for wheat bread in the place of white for your sandwich. Even better as for a wrap (tortilla, preferably whole grain). Ask for brown rice instead of white, or broccoli if they don't have brown rice. You can still enjoy your food and not restrict your calories to an unhealthy amount when you're eating out if you learn to make smart choices such as asking to substitute out bad carbs.

Consider making other small substitutions, such as ordering a Diet Coke instead of a Coke, or unsweet tea instead of sweet. This will save you around 150 calories per glass. Eat a sweet potato instead of a baked potato loaded with toppings. Order fat-free salad dressing instead of your regular ranch. You lose weight when the amount of calories you burn each day (including the calories you burn during sleep and when sitting, etc.) is greater than the amount you consume. So, any little substitutions can make a difference in your overall calorie consumption.

Also, some people don't realize how many calories are in alcoholic beverages. Some margaritas and daquiris are as much as 700 calories! So, try substituting one of those fruity alcoholic drinks for a diet coke, or even a glass of red wine, and you will save a ton of calories.

Look up the restaurant's menu on the web before you head to the restaurant and decide what you want to order. Many restaurants have included their nutritional information on their website, so you can see how many calories are in each item, as well ask check on the carbs, sugar, etc. Also, if you've already decided on something healthy and trained yourself to get in the mood for it all day, then you're more likely to choose that item when you get hungry at the restaurant, instead of letting your hunger drive you towards a bad choice.

We all know portion sizes are out-of-control at many restaurants. Ask for a to-go box before you start your meal. That way, you're controlling your portions. Asking for one after the meal won't work quite the same way, because you've already let yourself have as much as you want. Some people may have the self-control to only eat half of what's on their plate, but for most, it's easier to have half the meal already out of your sight before you dig in.

If you try to restrict your calories to save up for the meal, or if you're just hungry because it's dinner time and you haven't eaten since lunch break at 11, you'll be more likely to make a bad choice from the menu. Take along a small snack in the car with you, such as some carrots, crackers, or a granola bar. This will balance out your blood sugar levels so you're not starving and will hopefully help you make a wiser decision when ordering.