Eating out at a restaurant is enjoyable, but it isn’t always easy to make healthy choices when presented with a full menu of options. That doesn't mean you’re doomed to overeat. With a few simple tips, you can make healthy choices, whether you eat-in or get takeout, and enjoy your meal without guilt.

How to Order Healthy Food When Dining Out

1. Focus on Vegetables

Order as many vegetable-based dishes as possible. For example, start with a salad or vegetable-heavy soup to fill you up with nutrients and fiber without consuming ample calories. As a result, you’ll eat less and still feel satiated. Opt for clear broth-based soups instead of creamy varieties to reduce calories. When ordering sides, stick to steamed or grilled veggies to keep calories and fat in check.

2. Do Your Homework

Before heading to the restaurant or ordering takeout, view the eatery’s menu online to evaluate your options and know what to expect. Even if the menu doesn’t offer specific nutrition information, you can enter a dish you’re considering into an online calculator to get an estimate of calories, fats, carbohydrates, and other nutritional information.

3. Split Meals

Restaurant portions may be larger than average, which can cause you to overeat. Split an entree with a dining companion, and if that isn’t possible, ask to have half of your meal wrapped up to take home for later. You can also order from the kid’s menu or request a child’s portion of a dish. Fill most of your plate with the healthiest options, and enjoy a smaller taste of some of the heavier dishes.

If you want healthy and authentic Szechuan food, head to Chengdu Taste | 滋味成都 in Honolulu, HI. This eatery offers a wide array of delicious vegetable dishes you can share, like sauteed cabbage with glass noodles, bean curd in red chili sauce, and tofu with salted egg yolk. View the rest of the menu online, or call (808) 589-1818 to make a reservation or place a takeout order.