Eating out can be a nice treat once in a while or a convenient option when you don’t have time to cook. But fat, calories, sugar and sodium can add up quickly if you eat out regularly. Use these tips to make healthy choices the next time you eat out.
Managing portions when eating out
- Keep it small. Portion sizes are not important when you want QUALITY, but you can have both. At Wynwood restaurants Miami are often larger than what we normally eat at home. Order half portions, share a large meal with a friend or pack some of your food to take home.
- Split dessert. If you’re still hungry, finish your meal with fruit or drink a simple cappuccino sprinkled with cinnamon. If you love rich desserts, order one and ask for spoonfuls to share with your friends!
- Avoid large sizes. Oversized meal combinations may seem like a good deal, but they are often high in fat, calories, sugar and/or sodium.
Make healthier choices when eating out.
- Order more vegetables. For more fiber, ask for extra veggie toppings on wraps, burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. Order side orders of salad greens or cooked vegetables. Substitute vegetables for your fries.
- Choose whole grains. Look for dishes made with whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, barley or oatmeal. Many restaurants now offer whole-wheat or whole-grain breads, tortilla wraps, pasta or pizza dough to order.
- Control sodium. Choose fewer foods that have been smoked or prepared with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. Look for «light» versions of these sauces and ask to have them served on the side. Find out how to spot high-sodium foods.
- Get sauce on the side. Sauces, condiments, dressings and spreads can add fat and sodium to your food. Ask for it on the side and then use just enough to get a little flavor.
- Avoid sweet drinks. Drink water or low-fat milk instead of sugary drinks like soda, iced tea or lemonade. Try sparkling water with lemon or lime wedges. If you drink alcohol , limit yourself to one or two drinks per day.
Be informed when eating out
- Ask how food is prepared. Ask for foods that have been steamed, baked, broiled, grilled, broiled or roasted. Fat and calories add up quickly when foods are fried, deep-fried or breaded.
10 Look ahead. Ask for nutritional information or visit the website of restaurants in Wynwood ahead of time. Look for healthier options that are richer in protein, fiber and vitamins and lower in calories, fat, sugar and sodium.