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When you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet, preparing your meals at home lets you make more conscious decisions about your food. However, what about when you don’t have time to cook, or you’re celebrating a special occasion? You’ll need to commit to healthy habits even when dining at a restaurant. Use the following tips to help you follow your diet while eating out.

How to Make Healthy Choices at a Restaurant

1. Skip the Bread

Many restaurants will offer patrons a basket of bread while they wait for their meal, often paired with butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Even though you may be hungry, filling up on complex carbs before your meal arrives is not the healthiest choice.

Instead, try drinking two glasses of water, having a conversation with your neighbor, and seeing how you feel. Filling up on liquid instead of carbs can satisfy your grumbling stomach without the unnecessary calories. If you’re still hungry, order a salad to hold you over until your entrée arrives.

2. Prioritize Vegetables & Protein

restaurantWhen ordering your main course, stay away from starchy and overly fatty foods, such as pasta in cream sauce or fried dishes. Instead, your plate should be colorful, with a focus on lean protein and green vegetables.

Fish and broccoli, steak and asparagus, or leafy greens topped with chicken breast are all excellent choices. These options have enough protein and fiber to help you feel full and stay energized for hours.

Also, if you’re ordering a dish that comes with several options, always opt for the side salad instead of the home fries; it offers more volume for fewer calories, as well as a generous helping of vitamins and minerals.

3. Ask for a Box

Restaurant portions tend to be unreasonably large. Unfortunately, sharing isn’t always a possibility, and your spouse or friend might not want to eat the same dish. Instead of trying to finish everything on your plate, ask for a to-go box. You can set aside a healthy portion and save the rest for tomorrow’s lunch.

 

If you’re hoping to put these healthy tips into practice, head to Brookside Inn Restaurant of Oxford, CT. Since 1954, this restaurant has been whipping up classic Italian dishes with top-quality ingredients. The Morgatto family will help you choose a healthy option that meets your preferences, whether you’re dining in the main restaurant, on the deck, or in the private banquet room. To learn more about their menu offerings, visit the website. Call (203) 888-2272 to make a reservation.

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