A no-nonsense guide to eating healthy while dining out
Pre-plan, if possible
To avoid overconsumption of calories while dining out, have a balanced breakfast and lunch before and lighten other meals for dinner. Avoid starving yourself the entire day.
Eat healthy snacks before heading out
Consume fiber and protein-rich foods like sprouts, salads, fruits, homemade soup, or egg whites before dining out to suppress hunger and enhance control over food choices.
Focus on protein
Order protein-rich foods first to maintain a healthy diet, feeling full longer and reducing overeating. Consume protein-rich appetizers like grilled chicken or paneer tikka generously, leaving less room for carb-rich mains.
Consider starting your meal with vegetables
Choose Asian or Italian cuisines for salads with vinaigrette dressing, avoid creamy or mayonnaise-based ones, and chew slowly to suppress hunger and improve digestion.
Enjoy the time. Don’t just focus on the meal
Spend quality time with your meal, not just the food itself, to prevent overeating and enjoy the experience.