Eating out is an enjoyable past time, but when you haven’t cooked the food yourself it is hard to know how it stacks up in the healthy eating stakes. Often Indian, Chinese or Italian meals out are thought to be highly calorific, not to mention high in ingredients that are far from heart healthy. Read on to find out how making careful menu choices can make eating out both enjoyable, yet healthy.
Steamed not fried
Avoid foods that have been deep-fried, or battered opting for steamed, boiled or stir-fried versions instead. For example choose boiled rice over egg fried rice or grilled, tandoori style dishes
Pass the sauce
Dishes that are laden with thick, rich sauces are likely to be high in calories, fat and sodium, especially if they are coconut based and soy sauce is high is salt. Avoid cream based sauces too, opting for tomato or vegetable based varieties instead
Go easy on the cheese
Don’t be afraid to ask the waiter to alter your meal. Reducing the amount of cheese of your pizza, won’t affect the taste so you notice but will be better for your health. A vegetarian based pizza topping will also be lower in saturated fat than meat varieties
Beware of the unhealthy salad
You may think a salad is the healthiest option on the menu, but don’t be fooled. Some salad dressings can undo all the goodness of the salad. Ask for the dressing on the side so you can control how much you add or opt for a vinaigrette rather than a cream-based dressing
Sweeter (healthier) treats
If you are craving a dessert, avoid cream and cake based desserts, opting for sorbet, fresh berries or fruit instead. Or better still; share a dessert with your dining partner
Do your homework
Most eating establishments display their menu on their website, so take a look before you go so you can plan what you are going to eat and to avoid making a rushed, unhealthy decision
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