Whether it's a business lunch or a meal with your kids at a fast-food restaurant, it's important to make the best choices according to your healthy lifestyle plan. Use these handy rules to help you make the best choices at different restaurants.
General Tips:
1. When browsing the menu, watch out for the following four words, as foods prepared these ways have much less fat and calories than fried and stir-fried foods.
2. Don't go to a restaurant on an empty stomach, otherwise your eyes won't consider your stomach's capacity, and you'll want to eat everything on the menu, including all high-fat, high-calorie appetizers. Instead, before you go to the restaurant, eat a piece of fruit, fruit, yogurt, cereal, a salad, or some cottage cheese.
3. Order what you want to eat - as a paying customer, the restaurant will prepare all the food you need. Order foods that are not boiled in butter and ask the kitchen to use less oil when cooking. Avoid high-fat foods such as bacon and sour cream; there might be other options at the restaurant.
4. Replace refined, high-carbohydrate, high-fat foods (french fries, potato salad, onion rings, etc.) with steamed vegetables or a baked potato.
5. Call the restaurant in advance to ask what food they can offer, so you can plan accordingly. It's very gratifying that many restaurants now offer low-fat options.
6. Stay away from creamy sauces and add red sauce to your dish instead.
7. Share a meal with a friend or spouse. This will not only save you money but also reduce your calorie intake.
8. Skip the appetizers, or only order low-fat, low-calorie ones, such as cocktail shrimp or pita with hummus.
9. Ask the waiter if the restaurant offers half-portions or children's meals. If not, ask the waiter to put half of the food into a to-go box before serving, so you can have two meals for the price of one, which is also good for your health.
10. Start every meal with a salad, avoiding heavy dressings, bacon, cheese, and other foods high in fat. The salad will fill you up, so you will eat less of the main course.