Healthy Eating on the Run Series - Tip 5

Heathy Eating on the Run Series: Tip Five – What’s Best to Order

The past four tips in our series have all discussed what not to eat. Let’s wrap up our dining out series by discussing what should we eat. Today’s restaurants have a large variety of foods from healthy to unhealthy, American to Indian cuisine, and everything in between. It can be overwhelming to find a dish that will meet your health goals with such a variety of foods. Below are my top tips for picking the healthiest dish off any menu:

• Start with your protein source. Pick a dish that has a lean protein source. That would include: chicken breast, turkey breast, fish, ground turkey, pork tenderloin, beans, tofu or soy, or a lean cut of red meat like filet mignon. Make sure it is cooked in a way that is low-fat and calorie such as baked, grilled, roasted, or broiled.
• Pick healthy, nutritious side items. These would be vegetables, plain baked potato, whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, etc.), fresh salad, or a broth-based soup. If necessary, double up on vegetables instead of a starchy side to cut back on calories.
• Choose a smaller portion or take half home with you.
• If you order an appetizer, choose light options that don’t come fried or with tons of cheese, sauces, and other toppings. Appetizers like shrimp cocktail, meatballs, broth-based soups, salads, hummus platters, lettuce wraps, or caprese salads are best.
• If you want to order a dessert, look for an item that is fruit-based. Mousse is a light option as well. You can also share a dessert to cut back on calories.
• Don’t be afraid to make modifications to the menu item. Ask for sauces and other toppings on the side. Switch out the usual side for a healthy one. Don’t feel like you have to order exactly what is listed on the menu. If the kitchen has the item in house, they will most likely accommodate you.
• Think outside the box when ordering. You don’t always have to pick an entrée. I often order off the appetizer menu and pair an appetizer with a side salad, soup, or other healthy side offering instead of a large entrée. Get creative with the menu. 

If you start to incorporate all of the little tips and tricks we have discussed in the past few weeks, you will be able to enjoy a healthy meal at a restaurant. You won’t have to worry that you are ruining your health every time you go out. Dining out can be a part of a healthy lifestyle with a little thought and planning.