If you go out to eat a lot, you might find yourself in a corporate restaurant chain from time to time. It doesn’t matter if these are fast food restaurants or ’sit-down’ restaurants, eating healthy can still be a challenge.
The good news is that it can be done / but you’ll need a strong will. You have a ton of choices at these places that are riddled with greasy fatty ingredients, however you don’t have to order them. I’ve found that some restaurants have healthier appetizers or try a salad for a lighter meal.
Watch out for fatty protein sources like deep fried food, also stay away from cheese heavy dishes. Battered and fried cheese sticks are not good, if you’re eating healthy. Instead choose lean meats – chicken or fish and always go for grilled food instead of deep fried. Grilling is much better for your heart as opposed to frying because they don’t retain any grease. Baked fish and chicken are also good options.
If you have to order fried food, try to get food that is pan friend instead of deep fried because the longer it soaks in grease the unhealthier it is. In addition to ordering lean meats, also order fresh veggies, that being said “fresh” at a fast food chain might not be an option, but adding some color to your meal is better than none.
Get a salad as a side instead of French fries and take a close look at the information when it comes to low calorie or fat reduced menu items. Restaurants are getting better about giving information on their lighter fare so take advantage of that.
Don’t assume your only choices are what the restaurant states as “healthy”. They often are, however there may be many other choices/combinations that are healthier or just as healthy and more in favor of your personal taste.
When you are dining, you want your plate to be full of color. If you look down at your plate and see nothing but shades of tan, then you can guarantee you are not eating healthy. Try to keep the shades of tan foods to a minimum.