Eating out is one of life’s pleasures, but when you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet, it can be challenging. Keeping your consumption of calories, fat, and carbs under control, however, doesn't mean you have to turn down invitations to dinner. Armed with the right information and some tips on how to eat healthy, you can enjoy a delicious, guilt-free restaurant meal. 

5 Ways to Eat Healthy in a Restaurant

1. Plan Ahead

Knowing what you’re getting into ahead of time can help you make better choices. Check out the dinner menu beforehand. Assess caloric and nutritional content of different entrees using an online calorie calculator to make educated guesses. Also, eat well throughout the day. If you know you’re going out to dinner, have a lighter lunch. 

2. Watch Out for Buzzwords

Restaurants use vivid language to describe their dishes and make them sound irresistible. Those words can give you clues about what foods may do to your waistline. Dishes described as “breaded,” “fried,” “rich,” “creamy,” or “smothered” are probably full of fat, calories, carbohydrates, and sodium. Instead, choose grilled, broiled, or steamed foods.

3. Prioritize

Eating out often leads you to eat more food than usual, having bread, appetizers, dessert, and alcohol with a meal. Depriving yourself of these pleasures may make you grumpy, so prioritize. Choose one or two extras as treats. Skip the dinner rolls and fried calamari, for example, if you’ll be having a glass of wine and a dessert. You won’t feel like you’re missing out but won’t overeat either.

4. Focus On Veggies & Protein

When you make vegetables and lean protein the center of your meal, you’re less likely to overindulge. Start with a simple salad with dressing on the side. Abstain from croutons and cheese, which add calories. Ask for a double serving of vegetables for sides instead of starchy potatoes or rice. If you opt for a dinner salad with a protein for your meal, you’ll have room to order dessert.

5. Quit the Clean-Plate Club

Restaurant portions are usually larger than what you might have at home, so don't feel compelled to eat it all. If a portion is unusually hefty, have half your plate boxed up to take home. Otherwise, offer to share bites with your dining companions. Eat only until you’re full even if food remains on your plate.

If you’re looking for a restaurant where you can enjoy a healthy dinner and time with friends and family in a friendly atmosphere, head to Gondola Pizza House of Crossville, TN. In addition to their delicious Greek-style pizzas, you’ll find healthy protein-rich entrees like charbroiled New York strip steak and Greek-style broiled salmon at affordable prices. Visit their website to sample the menu, or call (931) 484-7647 for reservations.