How To Eat Out & Stay Healthy

Don’t be that girl who instantly becomes socially awkward whenever you are about that “new healthy eating plan” life. Dodging happy hours, always eating before you show up and canceling plans out of fear of derailing your goals are all not only no fun, but are also slightly strange.

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So go out, have fun, and read this: The Digest Diet Dining Out Guide. I adore this invaluable companion to The Digest Diet for it has single-handedly helped me maintain and extend my results while being able to enjoy eating out. From fast food restaurants to coffee shops to your favorite sit-down establishments, this guide is a pure gem. So ditch your black and white thinking, live your life, eat out without freaking out and still keep your healthy eating plan on track with these tips.

#1 Google Your Grub

Technology saves the day yet again. Most if not all restaurants have websites where their menus are regularly posted. This coupled with apps like Yelp and MenuPages there really isn’t an excuse for not Googling your grub.

#2 Think Before You Drink

Before you even think about browsing the cocktail menu gulp down a glass of good old H20 -as this will give you a moment to address your thirst first. Then, once your thirst has been quenched, avoid sugary blended concoctions such as margaritas, piña coladas and other exotic mixed drinks. Sipping your calories is such a waste, so instead opt for a glass of wine, a light beer, a vodka and tonic or a simple martini.

#3 Dress To Impress

Not only is getting dressed up fun it can also help you save a few calories. If your sexy get up is holding you in nice and tight chances are you may not have such a problem passing on that second roll- I mean really…who wants to have to suck it in all night?! So dress to impress and stay fine while you dine.

#4 Read In Between The Lines

Words such as creamy, breaded, crisp, sauced or stuffed is code word for “loaded with fat.” Other thug words to be aware of are buttery, sautéed, pan-fried and au gratin. However homie, look out for healthy diet-friendly words such as baked, steamed, grilled or broiled. Easy peasy.

#5 Divide & Conquer

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that serving sizes have grown significantly over the past 20 years. Hamburgers have expanded by 23%, a plate of Mexican food is 27% bigger and let’s not forget soft drinks– they have increased in size by 52%! So follow this rule: Sharing is caring. Next time you step out to dine out share a dish with a friend or ask for a doggy bag asap and carry out (in your hands, not your belly) the other half. Hello tomorrow’s lunch.

#6 Balance Things Out

Eating out doesn’t have to be boring and bland. If you absolutely have to get that high cal dish, then don’t wash it down with a fish bowl frozen cocktail. Or, order two appetizers instead of one thing from every course and skip out on dessert. Make sense? Basically live your life without losing your mind when you eat out and truly enjoy yourself (sans guilt).

#7 Start Strong

The best way to get some healthy fun in before your meal is to order a side salad or broth based soup. This will fill you up before the main event hits the table as well as help you get your recommended five a day in. Personally I find plain side salads to be a waste of time and money…so, if I am able, I just whip up one at home before I head out. The commute allows my garden greens to digest, that way once I plop down in a booth I am not ravishing.

#8 Sideline Side Sauces

That secret sauce is actually a secret diet wrecker. So sideline those high calorie high fat ramekins and dip (don’t dunk) in moderation. By asking for all sauces on the side you are better able to stay in control. Do. This. Always.

#9 Be Fruitful

When the waiter slams the dessert menu on the table, look for the ones made with fruit like you are trying to find Waldo asap sis. Chocolate and ice cream-enhanced desserts will set you back, however that fruit tart won’t be too off the charts…so make that your sweet treat.

#10 Chat And Chew

If you focus more on what comes out of your mouth (ie. words) as opposed to what goes in (ie. handfuls of calamari) your dining experience will instantly become “light.” The fact that the body takes at least 20 minutes to digest food is no secret, so spend some of that time telling your man how funny your spin instructor is or your girls how hot that bartender (10 feet away) is. Either way run your mouth more, fill your mouth less and enjoy the entire dining experience.

Robbie Ann Darby (RAD Experience) is a professional FitGirl, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer in NYC. Follow her sweaty life on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more fun health and fitness tips!

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10 Tips on Dining Out Without Freaking Out was originally published on hellobeautiful.com