Eating Out on a Diet
It can be tricky to navigate a world of delicious, rich foods when you’re trying to cut calories. On one hand, you want to be healthy and fit—on the other hand, you don’t want to miss out on the delicious foods that everyone else seems to be enjoying. Luckily, there are ways to do both. By making a few simple tweaks to your regular habits, you can eat out and consume significantly fewer calories. Here’s how!
Skip the Side of Fries
Everything seems to come with a side of fries these days. They are a cheap filler, and let’s face it—they are delicious! However, fries can contribute the bulk of the calories to any meal’s calorie count. Add a creamy, delicious dipping sauce and that’s even more true! Luckily, you can still enjoy a delicious entrée. Just skip the side of fries. If available, switch it out for a fruit cup, a side salad (with the dressing on the side), or a veggie. Even when you’re on a diet, you can have your meal and eat it too—just not the side of fries!
Go Bunless
As everyone knows, simple carbs are one of the biggest culprits of an expanding waistline. And most burgers and sandwiches are just as delicious without that big ol’ hunk of bread! Ask for your next meal in a lettuce wrap and enjoy the meatier matters without all the calories. Just remember to ask for a knife and fork: bunless sandwiches can be messy!
Don’t Drink Your Calories
A major caloric black hole—where calories are plentiful but don’t give you as much satisfaction—is the typical beverage. Both sugary and alcoholic beverages pack on the calories. Alcohol contains nearly as many calories as fat, and sugar tends to go straight to your waist. An easy way to cut calories from your night out is to simply drink water. If you can’t handle the deprivation, at least go with a diet soda.
When you’re on a diet, completely depriving yourself of all your favorite foods tends to backfire. It’s a better idea to allow yourself some pleasurable foods while lowering your calories in simple ways. You can still eat out. Just be sure to skip the fries, bread, and high-calorie drinks. There’s still a world full of delicious and healthy foods to enjoy!
Click here to find out how eating at a food truck can be healthier than fast food. With fresh, seasonal ingredients and gourmet recipes, food truck food tends to give you better taste at a lower caloric cost!