Five tips for staying trim while eating out with the family this summer

We all want to enjoy the experience, but if you’re trying to watch those calories, it can be a bit difficult to fully enjoy eating out with the family. Keeping yourself in shape when dining out is simply a matter of ordering the right things.

Here are five tips for having a healthy dinner out,while still enjoying your meal like everyone else:

1. Watch your drinks – Avoid alcohol if you don’t want to pile on the calories. A glass of red may seem like a treat, but when it turns into fat on those thighs, you’ll be regretting it. Try sipping iced tea sweetened with a noncaloric sweetener, a diet soft drink, or water with lemon. You’ll be glad you did when you consider the calorie savings…and it’s usually cheaper, too.
2. Have a salad – Salads not only will it fill you up so you’ll consume fewer calories overall, but they will also give you a hefty dose of antioxidants which are heart healthy.Avoid dressings like the croutons and cheese, which will further reduce your caloric load. Also, choose your dressing wisely – cream-based dressings are a non-no; go for the vinegar-based instead. You also have the option of using vinegar and olive oil which is heart healthy.
3. Beware if how food is prepared – Opt for broiled and grilled rather than fried foods on the menu. Not only will you save calories, you’ll also avoid trans fats which are prevalent in fried foods. Instead, consider asking for a double order of vegetables with your starter or main. Also try to avoid starchy foods so you’ll be reducing your calorie and carbohydrate load. Lastly, ask for the sauce to be served in a separate dish on the side so you can control the amount you eat.
4. Don’t overeat – Many restaurants, these days, are serving larger quantities of food than in the past. If you like to eat at buffet-style restaurants or the eat as much a you like establishments, don’t worry about not getting your money’s worth – remember, a second on the lips and a lifetime of the hips…
5. Vitto sugary, fatty desserts – Instead, go for a low-fat or low-carbohydrate dessert selection such as a low-carb cheesecake. If a healthy dessert option isn’t available, try a cup of coffee with skimmed milk to help satiate your desire for something sweet.

The next time you go out for dinner, keep the above tips in mind. You’ll be surprised how many calories you can slash out of your meal just by ordering the right thing from the menu! Happy healthy eating!