Eating Out Tips
Nowadays, eating out has become the centre of socialising. This can be really difficult to navigate, especially when you are trying to eat more healthily, so here are some tips for when you are eating out:
Check what’s on the menu
You can do this in advance, online or in-person, therefore, you can spend time looking at the different options and choose what’s best for you rather than being influenced by other people’s choices.
2. Decide how many courses you would like
Perhaps consider having a starter and a main or a main and a dessert, rather than all three courses.
3. Don’t be afraid to speak to the staff about adapting your dishes
For example, swapping fried chips for boiled rice, asking for no butter on your vegetables, or asking for sauces to come on the side so you can control how much you are adding to your food.
4. Be aware of portion sizes
Could you perhaps share a main meal with someone or ask for a smaller portion?
5. Try to choose meals that have been cooked using healthier methods
For example, grilled chicken instead of deep fried.
6. Remember to still eat other meals even if you are having one meal out
Try not to skip meals because you know you are going out later - you may miss out on essential nutrients and feel tired. You might become so hungry that when you do eat out, you overeat and become so full, you do not enjoy the meal. If you know you are going to be eating unhealthy foods or bigger portions when eating out, choose healthier options and control your portions for the rest of the day.
Remember to think about how often you are eating out. A one-off meal out probably isn’t going to make a difference to your overall health when you look at the bigger picture, so enjoy it. However, if you are eating out frequently, make sure you think about how that fits into your overall diet and where you can make healthier choices.
This blog is aimed at adults
This blog is intended for information only
The advice given is generic advice for supporting a healthy diet and lifestyle. For specific medical conditions please seek advice from your GP.
