Ordering Healthier

WHAT DOES ORDERING HEALTHIER REALLY MEAN?

Restaurant meals often contain high levels of unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium, and larger portions than a typical home-cooked meal. Making healthier choices means ordering with that in mind and choosing a meal that is enjoyable and still good for your health.

WHY SHOULD WE CONSIDER IT?

Going to restaurants is fun. We should be able to eat out and still give our body the nutrients it needs for energy, mood and overall and wellbeing instead of feeling yucky.

HOW CAN ORDER HEALTHIER?

Look at the menu ahead of time and when possible choose restaurants where you will have options.

When eating out know that restaurants typically serve large portions. You can share a plate and each order a side, ask for a half portion or ask for a to-go box and save some for later. Avoid buffets!

Choose foods that are baked, grilled, steamed, roasted, or broiled. Avoid foods that are fried, crispy, creamed, scalloped, or stuffed. If you are really craving french fries then go for it but consider a baked piece of chicken instead of a cheeseburger. Really want a cheeseburger? Totally fine! Swap out the fries for steamed veggies.

Don't hesitate to ask for modifications. Request that sauces and dressings be served on the side, ask for extra steamed vegetables instead of fries or mashed potatoes.

Don't arrive super hungry, Have a small, healthy snack an hour before dinner. Being overly hungry makes it difficult to choose wisely!