The summer months mean more vacations, more time with family, and therefore, more restaurant dining. When eating out, remember restaurant menu items can contain triple the amount of food and calories of a typical home-cooked meal. But there are ways to cut down the calories of restaurant meals.
- Ask for water, not drinks with added calories.
- Order off the menu instead of the all-you-can eat buffet option.
- Start your meal with a salad. It will fill you up, and you’ll eat less of your calorie-dense entrée.
- Order steamed, grilled or broiled dishes over those that are sautéed, fried or dripping in creamy sauces.
- On road trips or long commutes, pack snacks of cut-up veggies and fruit with a healthy side helping of walnuts, almonds or cashews.
- At the end of the meal, pick fruit instead of cake or pie. Your body will thank you!
