If you are on a health journey, staying on track with your clean diet doesn’t always mean saying no to going to eat out with your loved ones. With a little planning and smart choices, you can also enjoy your favourite restaurants without ruining your health goals. Whether you are watching calories or simply trying to eat better, the key is to make mindful swaps and control portions rather than avoid dining out altogether.
Nutritionist Remi Divine shared eight simple tips on Instagram to help people make better choices while eating outside. Her suggestions are practical, easy to follow, and perfect for anyone who wants to stay on track without giving up restaurant meals.
Smart Tips To Eat Healthy While Dining Out
Remi’s first advice is to choose
lighter cooking styles. “Choose dishes labelled ‘grilled’, ‘baked’, ‘steamed’, or ‘broiled’ instead of ‘fried’, ‘crispy’, ‘battered’ or ‘creamy’,” she said. Grilled or steamed foods usually use less oil and fat, while fried or creamy dishes are loaded with calories. Next, she suggests skipping sugary drinks altogether.
“Only have water with your meal,” she added. Drinks like soda, cocktails, or milkshakes may seem harmless but can easily push you past your daily calorie limit.
Swap, Share, And Slow Down
Remi also advised making small swaps. “Ask for veggies or a side salad instead of fries or chips,” she said. These sides are lighter and more nutritious, making your meal more balanced.
She also encouraged choosing protein-rich dishes such as chicken, fish, or turkey, as they keep you full for longer and help maintain muscle.
Alongside this, she recommended asking for sauces and dressings on the side. “This lets you control the portion,” she explained, warning that sauces often contain hidden fats and sugars.
Control Portions And Eat Mindfully
When dining out, portion sizes are usually much larger than what you need. Remi suggested sharing dishes or packing half the meal to go. “Most restaurants serve huge portions, so consider sharing or saving half for later,” she said.
Finally, she highlighted the importance of eating slowly. Paying attention to your hunger cues and taking time to enjoy each bite can prevent overeating. “Eat slowly and mindfully,” Remi reminded, noting that it supports better digestion and helps you feel satisfied with less food.
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