Eating out
Whether it’s posh nosh or a quick sandwich lunch, eating out is becoming the norm for many of us. And no matter how healthy you are at home, it can be hard to stay on track when you eat out. Of course you want to enjoy eating out without feeling guilty, so read our top tips to keep you on track when you eat out - without spoiling the fun!
Top tips
- Don’t arrive starving.
Have a small, healthy snack like a bowl of cereal, low-fat yoghurt or some fruit a few hours before your meal so that you’re not tempted to overeat.
- Avoid the nibbles.
At the beginning of a meal, it’s very easy to fill up on the bread, poppadums and tortilla chips. Try to avoid these extras.
- Fill up on low fat foods first.
Have a light starter, like soup or a salad. That way, there is a good chance that you won’t eat too much later on in the meal.
- Ask.
Don’t be afraid to ask for little changes to the meal. Ask for sauces and dressing on the side, vegetables to be served without butter, or salad or extra vegetables instead of chips. Most places are used to this.
- Watch the fats.
Go for vegetable, chicken or fish dishes over fattier meat dishes. Avoid creamy sauces in favour of tomato-based sauces. Choose baked or boiled potatoes over chips. Ask whether the food can be grilled instead of fried.
- Eat slowly.
Enjoy your meal and the company. Give your body time to give you the signal that you are satisfied.
- Your mother was wrong.
You don’t have to clean your plate.
- Share. If you are still hungry, try to choose one of the lower-fat dessert options like fruit or sorbet. If you want a more indulgent option – share!
And whether it’s Chinese, Indian or barbequed food that tickles your fancy, we can help you make the healthiest choices when eating these foods out! Check out our healthy menu options below for tips on eating foods from around the world.
Chinese | Japanese | Thai | Barbecue | Sandwiches | Italian | Indian | Mexican