Certainly, we all love to eat out. It’s a social occasion with friends or family and enjoying all the nuances that come with the experience including the atmosphere, being served and hopefully a delicious meal is part of the fun. Unfortunately, most restaurant meals tend to be unhealthy. They are often high in fat, salt, and sugar, making them addictive. Is it possible to not blow yourself out of the water while trying to adhere to your Healthy Meals, Inc. plan when you eat out? YES! Here are a couple of tips to help stay on course.
Pick the Right Place
If you have the chance to choose a health food café or restaurant beforehand, do a quick “Kansas City healthy café” search online. Pick a restaurant that offers healthy meal plans. Skip fast food joints. Make sure the restaurant has enough food options to choose from.
Online Menu
Consider selecting your options online early so you won’t need to make the decision at the table. Avoid looking at the menu when you get there, so you won’t be tempted to change your order. Also, make sure that you’re the first to order so you won’t be influenced by what your friends order. You never know, your friends may decide to follow your choice.
Play it Cool
Be calm if your friends criticize your choices and try to change your mind. Instead, explain to them how healthy eating has improved the quality of your life, and if they express interest in your food choices, then that’s great. Don’t be afraid to refer them to Healthy Meals, Inc.!
Meal Modification
The truth is that you can go to eat out without just eating salads. You can make slight modifications to most any meal to make it more in line with your Healthy Meals, Inc regimen.
Don’t be afraid to ask for changes in your order; most restaurants can modify food if a customer requests. Don’t hesitate to order a side of vegetables if you want to avoid the fries that are on the menu. You could also nix the bun when ordering a burger or a sandwich that looks appealing. This is a great way to maintain that low-carb, gluten-free or even Paleo diet.
Portion Adjustments and Beverage Selection
Restaurants’ servings tend to be huge. Don’t be afraid to ask for smaller portions. You don’t have to eat the whole portion! Make it a point to eat what you know is the approximate portion based on the size of meals you receive from Healthy Meals, Inc. Box up the leftovers and take the rest home. Got that sweet tooth craving? Maybe see if someone wants to share a dessert with you rather than eating a whole dessert by yourself.
When it comes to beverages, you already know regular sodas or drinks with alcohol are the fastest way to consume empty calories. If you’re up for a beer or cocktail, we’d never suggest avoiding altogether…just choose wisely and don’t overdo it.
The “Free” Day
Sometimes you will be strong and other times your willpower will fail you. Don’t be hard on yourself. Remember you’re human. If you cheat today, tomorrow you’ll be back on track.
When on a meal plan with Healthy Meals, Inc., we encourage you to have a “free day”. This can most often be a Saturday or Sunday. You’re to follow the same guidelines on this day as you do throughout the week; however, on this day, you’re allowed one or two “free” meals.
While your free meal can be something “sinful” and therefore higher in fat and calories, its portion size is to be similar to that of your meals eaten throughout the week. So remember, a free meal is a few slices of pizza, not the whole pizza!
So, go ahead and go out to that restaurant with your friend or family and enjoy yourself. Just try not to “blow yourself out of the water!”
Have questions? Contact Us or Get Started today!
