Order Up: Eating Out Healthily

Eating out is great for catching up and reconnecting; it’s not great for your waistline. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a dinner away from home adds roughly 144 calories to your diet. Depending on how many times you eat out in a week, that can add up!

The good news is more and more restaurants offer healthier options—if you know how to look for them. Follow these tips to keep to your health goals.

Skip the drink. It’s easy to forget about the calories in the drink we order, whether it’s soda, tea or an after-work alcoholic beverage. One serving of sweetened tea can have around 200 calories and it hardly fills you up.

Stick to grilled, steamed or broiled. When you scrutinize the menu there are certain words you should avoid: creamy, crispy, fried, breaded or smothered. When prepared one of these ways, a meal usually contains more fat and calories.

Tailor your meal. Don’t be afraid to ask the server to make changes. Replace unhealthy sides like french fries with steamed vegetables or leafy greens. If you want a sauce or dressing that’s loaded with calories, ask for it on the side and use it sparingly. 

Appetizers can make a meal. To help control your portion, order an appetizer as a main dish. If it’s not enough food, add a side salad to make it a meal.