If you’re trying to shed a few inches off your waistline, sticking to a healthy diet is an important part of reaching your fat loss goals. But despite common misconception, you don’t have to skip out on every restaurant dining experience to stay on track with your weight loss diet. Below, the professionals at Nebraska Weight Management Institute, in Lincoln and Omaha, NE, are here to discuss a few tips to help you order healthy the next time you’re at a restaurant.

How to Stick to a Weight Loss Diet When Dining Out

1. Personalize the Meal

Many of the entrees at restaurants are cooked in oil and butter, which spikes up the calorie count. When ordering your meal, ask the server if it’s possible to skip the butter and oils. You can also request to substitute fatty sides like french fries and mashed potatoes with green vegetables.

2. Ask For Dressings on the Side

While salads are a seemingly healthy choice, the dressings are often mixed in, which adds a few hundred calories to your meal. Ask for the dressing on the side so you can control how much is in your salad. For a healthier alternative, skip cream-based dressings and ask for oil and vinegar instead.

3. Read the Menu Beforehand

If you read the menu at the restaurant while hungry and surrounded by friends, you may be more inclined to pick unhealthier options. Read what they have to offer ahead of time and pick out which meal you want. Ordering first will also prevent you from being influenced by others’ choices.

If you are struggling with your weight loss diet or have hit a plateau, it may be time to consult an expert dietitian. The professionals at Nebraska Weight Management Institute have over 20 years of experience using scientifically proven weight loss programs to help you safely shed the pounds and keep them off. To learn more, give them a call today at (402) 483-4770. You can also visit the website for more information about their services.