Eating out is a fun way to connect with people and celebrate important events. It is also a necessity for many people who don’t have access to food at home or who are away from home for extended periods of time. Or who are physically unable to. It’s okay to overeat. It’s okay to eat a high-calorie, high-fat meal from time to time. Your body can handle that. But if you find yourself eating out frequently then it may not feel pleasant in your body to eat this way regularly. Here are three tips for eating out that can help you enjoy the meal and feel your best.
Eat Regular Meals Leading up to Eating Out
One of the first tips for eating out is to not go without food for the day to “save up” for a special meal. This typically leads to feeling overly hungry and out of control around food when you finally do get to eat which results in overeating and feeling unpleasantly full following the meal. Instead, fuel your body consistently throughout the day leading up to eating out. This will allow you to enter the meal feeling in control so you can fully enjoy the meal and leave feeling comfortably full.
Eat regularly/consistently leading up to a meal. Don’t starve yourself all day in anticipation of your special meal. This leads to feeling out of control and overeating which results in unpleasant fullness and feeling sick after a meal. Instead, continue to regularly eat meals and snacks leading up to the meal so you can enter the meal feeling in control and leave feeling pleasantly full.
Pair Protein, Carbs, and Color
If eating out is a rare occasion for you then you don’t need to be concerned about the nutrition content of this one meal. But if you’re eating out frequently then you may want to be a little more conscious of what you’re consuming. Restaurants tend to serve meals with large portions high in sodium, carbohydrates, fat, and other nutrients. These are all important nutrients to include in our diet but if eating out is a regular occurrence then it’s easy to get too much of them.
For a satisfying and nutritious meal, look for something that pairs protein, carbohydrates, and color (fruits or vegetables). Different food groups tend to contain different nutrients so pairing multiple food groups together in one meal means that you’ll be getting a wide variety of nutrients. This combination of food groups will also help keep you feeling full and satisfied until your next meal. Carbohydrates are important for meal satisfaction and to give you lasting energy.
If you’re looking for a lighter meal, choose a leaner option for your protein such as chicken or sirloin steak instead of pork belly or ribeye. You can also pay attention to the preparation methods by looking for words such as “grilled”, “baked”, or “roasted”, instead of “fried” or “breaded”.
In addition to making your meal more visually appealing by adding some bright colors, fruits and vegetables also contain fiber which helps with digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. They are also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. Order a side salad with your main entree or pair your breakfast sandwich with some fresh fruit! If the meal you’re ordering doesn’t typically come with many fruits or vegetables, consider swapping out a side for vegetables or ordering them a la carte.
Eat mindfully
You have full permission to eat your entire meal and there is no shame in doing that. But at many restaurants where portion sizes are large, eating the full meal may leave you feeling uncomfortably full. When this is the case, you do not have to finish your plate. Try to be present with the eating experience and eat mindfully. Slow down, enjoy your meal, and check in regularly with how your body is feeling. Do your best to finish when you are satisfied.
Pay attention to how your body feels so you don’t leave the meal feeling so full that you are sick. Eat until you are comfortably full. Remember you can always take the leftovers home to get another delicious meal out of it!
It’s completely fine to go a little crazy when you eat out from time to time. One meal is not going to ruin your life. But if you find yourself eating out frequently then you may want to keep in mind that the portions will be larger and that you do not need to eat everything on your plate. Have a plan to be more mindful of these meals.
Tips For Eating Out Conclusion
In conclusion, while eating out is a delightful way to connect with others and celebrate special occasions, it’s essential to approach these meals with a mindful and balanced mindset.
In essence, the key to enjoying frequent dining out experiences lies in moderation, balance, and mindfulness. Remember, one indulgent meal won’t have a lasting impact, but being conscious of your choices can contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable overall dining experience. Following these tips for eating out allows you to enjoy your eating out experience without all the negative consequences.
