Eating out at a restaurant doesn’t mean you have to give up your healthy dietary habits. There are many ways to enjoy a meal with your friends and family, while still sticking to wellness goals. Below are several strategies to try the next time you dine out to maintain your health objectives.

How to Eat Healthy at Restaurants

1. Browse the Menu

An unhealthy dish that a waiter is carrying to another table can easily tempt you when you are hungry. To avoid making an impulse decision that isn’t healthy, you should decide on an order before getting to the establishment. Most eateries have their menu online, so you can pick a healthy choice and stick to it when ordering. This also allows plenty of time to look through the ingredients for any allergy or dietary concerns.

2. Choose Drinks Wisely

Rather than ordering a soda or other sugary drinks, opt for a healthier alternative like water or unsweetened tea. Consuming too much added sugar can contribute to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, water can help to fill your stomach, preventing you from overeating.

When consuming alcohol, some options are healthier than others. For example, red wine has antioxidants that boost your heart health, while tequila has few calories and natural sugars. If you are drinking light, consider a hard seltzer water that is low in calories and carbohydrates.

3. Ask for Sauces on the Side

While dousing a salad or piece of meat in a delicious sauce is appealing, these sauces and dressings will increase the amount of calories and sugar that you consume. While you don’t have to skip them entirely, ask your waiter to bring them on the side. This gives you more control over the portion of the sauce and allows you to enjoy the delicious taste, without using too much.

4. Split an Entree

Since portion control is crucial for eating healthy, consider ordering one meal and splitting it between two or three people. Many restaurants will happily provide the table with small plates and let everyone divide the meal between themselves. That ensures everyone gets plenty of food without walking away feeling stuffed.

When you want a delicious, healthy meal, visit Sufi’s Kitchen. As one of the premier Persian restaurants in Atlanta, GA, they have an excellent selection of healthy dining options for you to enjoy. No matter what the occasion is, this fine dining experience is sure to please everyone in your party. Visit them online to browse their menu, or call (404) 888-9699 to make a reservation.