Navigating Healthy Eating While Dining Out
Making a lasting lifestyle change is no easy feat. Especially, when it includes changes to your diet and incorporating a healthier approach to eating habits. When in your regular daily routine, you may find sticking to your new approach to healthy eating much easier. Between having access to the quality foods in your kitchen and support from your family members, it’s understandable why your regular routine would set you up for success!
In saying that, not every day is going to be like that. There will be days where you must run a few errands, attend a social gathering or even a larger event, such as a holiday party or wedding. When these instances arise, it’s important that you have a plan in place that also sets you up for success!
If your plans involve eating out at a restaurant, event or social gathering, here are some useful tips and tricks to help you navigate healthy eating!
Foods to Eat
While dining out, you may have an expansive or limited selection of food options to choose from. With the right choice, you can take a strategic approach to dining out while on a weight loss journey!
We suggest opting for meals and appetizers with the following ingredients:
Lean source of protein, such as chicken, turkey or fish
Colourful vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots or peppers
Nutritious fruit, such as berries, watermelon or apples
Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa or whole-grain bread, pasta or crackers
While you may not always be able to find meals with all of these ingredients, looking for options that fall within one or more of these groups can most certainly help you make better choices while dining out!
What to Avoid
When you aren’t the one planning the appetizers, meals or desserts, it can be difficult to ensure that there is at least one healthy option to choose from. To help you make the best decision for your weight loss journey, here is a brief list of a few foods that you may want to avoid - especially if you’re looking to make healthier food choices!
Soft drinks, such as juice, pop and alcoholic beverages
Baked goods that are high in sugar, such as cookies, muffins or cupcakes
Fast food, such as fries, burgers, onion rings, and pizza
With a little motivation, patience and self control, you can most definitely avoid certain unhealthy foods and make the best choices with your health in mind!
Everything in Moderation
At the end of the day, we always say that everything should be enjoyed in moderation. If you wish to have a sugary or salty treat from time to time, you absolutely should! Limiting, avoiding or cutting certain foods out altogether can sometimes lead to negative results, such as fixating and binging.
If you allow yourself to indulge a little from time to time, chances are that you won’t fixate and day-dream about a certain ice cream cone or slice of pizza, and instead will plan your next well-balanced meal.
In saying that, if you are dining out and are craving a little dessert or an indulgent appetizer, keep in mind that everything is good in moderation. Treating yourself from time to time is absolutely okay!
Achieving Long-Term Success
With the right approach and strategy, you can most definitely achieve long-term success in your weight loss journey. With Coaching & Medicine, you will be provided with endless support, guidance and knowledge as you adapt to a healthier lifestyle.
For more information about our medically-supervised weight loss coaching services, contact us today! One of our weight loss and healthy living specialists will be more than happy to help you get started.
