5 Ways to Control Your Calories When Dining Out

When trying to stay in shape, most people like to control as much of their diet as possible. They prepare many of their meals, keep food logs, and might even measure out everything they eat. But it’s always helpful to have balance, and part of that balance with dieting includes going out to eat. Who doesn’t enjoy some fine dining? So here are 5 ways to help you control your calories when dining out.

1. Ask for Nutrition Breakdowns- Most restaurants will have nutritional informational for their meals. Look for items that are low in fat, they will most likely be the lowest calorie options available.

2. Limit your carbs and fat during the day- At restaurants, most menu items are high in calories because they contain a lot of fat and carbs. Limit your fat and carb intake at home, and your total intake for the day will not be so high.

3. Hold the cheese or “special sauce”- This is what often makes those tasty dishes so costly to your caloric budget. Remove the cheese or special dressing, and you can save the calories while keeping much of the taste. 

4. Choose a salad over the appetizer- A hearty salad can be a healthy replacement to a fatty appetizer, and you will still have enough of an appetite to enjoy your favorite entrée. 

5. Order a diet soda with your entrée- A diet soda can fill up your stomach and even satisfy that sweet tooth so you’ll be less apt to order a dessert. And yes, diet sodas ARE calorie free.

Frequently eating out isn’t the best way to stay in shape, but these few tricks you can certainly you can do it once in a while and maintain your healthy lifestyle.