How Can You Make More Informed Food Choices When Dining Out?
Craving a deeper understanding of how to make healthier food choices while dining out? This Q&A article reveals practical tips from seasoned experts, starting with how to focus on behavior and menu choices and wrapping up with the importance of prioritizing grilled, steamed, or baked dishes. Throughout the post, discover a total of seven insightful strategies that can transform dining experiences. Read on to uncover actionable advice and make informed decisions at your favorite restaurants.
- Focus on Behavior and Menu Choices
- Understand Ingredient Quality and Nutritional Value
- Research Restaurants and Menus Ahead
- Utilize Restaurant Nutrition Information
- Ask Servers for Healthier Modifications
- Consider Portion Sizes and Sharing Plates
- Prioritize Grilled, Steamed, or Baked Dishes
Focus on Behavior and Menu Choices
Helping clients make better choices when eating out really needs to be focused on their behavior first, meaning many times when we eat out, it is a treat—a time we can have something special. Helping them recognize their 'why' helps them make food changes. After walking through their 'why' and behavior, I begin to help them look at the menu to support their goals. Maybe they are working on eliminating foods (i.e., dairy and gluten), or they are working on fat loss. Teaching the basics of a grilled-protein option, a side of cooked vegetables or salad, and adding a small starch—sweet potato, white potato, or wild rice—will give them a balanced meal without all the extras (i.e., fried entrees, French fries, or other heavy sides).
Understand Ingredient Quality and Nutritional Value
When helping clients make informed food choices while dining out, I often emphasize the importance of understanding ingredient quality and nutritional value, similar to how we approach product development at GYAT. For example, one client wanted healthier dessert options at restaurants. I suggested they look for dishes made with natural sweeteners or fresh fruit, drawing from our approach of using quality, natural ingredients in Gyat Gummies.
I also shared a practical tip that involves checking for dishes marked with heart-healthy symbols or those that focus on lean proteins and vegetables. This echoes our commitment to transparency and health benefits in our products. By asking about the preparation method, clients can make better choices, much like how our research ensures our supplements are effective and wholesome.
Research Restaurants and Menus Ahead
One effective way to make better food choices when dining out is to research restaurants and their menus beforehand. Looking up detailed menu options ahead of time allows for an analysis of ingredients and preparation methods. This advance preparation can prevent last-minute decisions driven by hunger or impulse.
Restaurant reviews might also provide insights into the quality of the ingredients used. Being prepared ensures that you stick to healthier choices. Take the time to explore menu options before your meal to make well-informed decisions.
Utilize Restaurant Nutrition Information
Utilizing the nutrition information provided by the restaurant is another way to make informed food choices. Many restaurants now include calorie counts and other nutritional info on their menus or websites. This transparency allows for comparisons between different meal options.
Knowing the nutritional content can help in selecting dishes that align with dietary goals. Accessing this information can make it easier to choose meals that are healthier. Always check the nutrition details to make healthier dining choices.
Ask Servers for Healthier Modifications
Asking your server directly about healthier modifications to meals can lead to more informed choices. Servers are often knowledgeable about the ingredients and preparation methods used in dishes. Inquiring if meals can be prepared with less oil or if vegetables can replace fries can lead to healthier options.
Servers can also suggest menu items that are not listed but meet dietary preferences. This approach ensures you get a meal tailored to your health needs. Don't hesitate to ask your server for healthier modifications to your meal.
Consider Portion Sizes and Sharing Plates
Considering portion sizes and the option to share plates is a strategy for making healthier choices when dining out. Restaurants often serve portions that are larger than standard serving sizes, which can lead to overeating. Sharing a dish with a dining companion can help control portion sizes and reduce calorie intake.
It also allows for a more balanced meal without feeling overly full. Being mindful of portion sizes can contribute to healthier eating habits. Think about sharing plates to help manage portion sizes and eat more healthily.
Prioritize Grilled, Steamed, or Baked Dishes
Prioritizing grilled, steamed, or baked dishes over fried or heavy options is a smart way to dine healthily. These cooking methods tend to use less oil and retain more nutrients. Choosing these options can significantly reduce the intake of unhealthy fats and unnecessary calories.
Grilled, steamed, or baked dishes are often lighter and can be more satisfying without being overly heavy. This preference can lead to a more balanced and nutritious meal. Opt for grilled, steamed, or baked dishes for a healthier dining experience.