Embracing your Health and Socialising.

The Art of Dining Out: Embracing Health with enjoyment.

We currently live in a world of where food has developed a huge social connection and has become an integral part of our daily lives.

Whether this is dining out with family and friends, or grabbing a quick lunch during working hours, the convenience and variety offered by shops and restaurants makes so many foods such an appealing option.

However, dining out and eating away from the home can often raise concerns around healthy eating, greater confusion on what choice we need to be making. This blog aims to shed some light on how you can navigate the world of dining out whilst at the same time still enjoying the process and staying healthy in the process.

In fact, dining out can have little impact on your health by you following some key guidelines that still allows you to enjoy your food choices and not spiral out of control through guilt.

There are a lot of advantages to you planning life around that special meal, having a greater awareness of those convenient foods that are bought in the shop or garage as you reduce the consumption of such choices. Choices that often containing more processed ingredients, fats, sugars, and salts, it’s all about you being smarter.

When dining out and going to a restaurant view the menu before you go. The biggest key is choosing wisely from the menu, and you can do so before you arrive and thus reducing the pressure when you get there. Often once within a setting of family and friends there is often a sense of peer pressure in making a choice due to the surrounding you find yourself in.

Being honest and open about this can help you make the right decision. Am I having a starter, a dessert, or alcohol with your meal, making the choice and sticking to it before you arrive allows you to have the control and focus on what you want.

Look for restaurants that offer a range of wholesome options, including lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

The cooking process such as grilled, baked or steamed will outclass the fried dishes every time. Even asking for dressing and sauces to be on the side as an addition rather on the meal allows you to reduce the unnecessary calories.

Here are a few hints that will help you stay on track:

• Portion Control – portion size in restaurant can be much larger that what you would consume at home. While it may be tempting to finish everything on your plate, practice portion control by sharing a meal or starter with friends or asking for a to go box to take the reminder of the meal home with you. Often a single course at a restaurant is more than enough, it is when we go for three sittings that are you overindulging to a greater extent.
• Customise – Don’t hesitate to customise your order to meet your dietary needs. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate when it comes to making healthier swaps. Swap out the fries for a baked potato, remove those onions rings for a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Even if the meal comes with vegetables or salad there is nothing wrong with ordering an extra side of salad or veggies to help fill you up as you are less likely to overindulge elsewhere from the menu. Request whole grain bread instead of white bread for that sandwich, choosing the healthier alternatives can significantly reduce your calorie intake while still allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal.
• Embrace Freshness and Variety – Many restaurants now focus on incorporating fresh and seasonal ingredients into their menus. Seek out establishments that prioritize farm-to-table or locally sourced produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables not only provide essential nutrients but also enhance the flavours of your meal. Experiment with different cuisines that offer a variety of flavours and cooking techniques, ensuring that you never get bored of your healthy dining choices.
• Be Wary of Hidden Culprits – While dining out, be cautious of hidden sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats lurking in dressings, sauces, and condiments. Ask for these items on the side, allowing you to control the quantity you use. Avoid dishes that are heavily cream-based or fried, as they tend to be higher in calories. By choosing tomato based sauces helps to reduces calorie intake, how about sauces such as pesto, salsa, balsamic vinegar, hummus, guacamole or even Greek yoghurt over that ranch dressing or barbeque sauce to make your choice smarter. By being mindful of these hidden culprits, you can make healthier choices and still savour a delectable dining experience.

• Starters – many restaurants offer starters and sides that are classed as healthy such as superfood salads. These are often good choices, especially if the restaurant allowed the addition of a portion of grilled chicken breast or halloumi to convert the dish into a main meal.
• Desserts – it is worth asking friends or family if they wish to share, this can then half the amount of sugars and saturated fat. Go for the fresh fruit option, head for the frozen yoghurt or sorbet instead of the ice cream as you allow yourself to enjoy the meal.
• Alcohol – If you plan to drink, skip the aperitif and delay ordering the wine until your food arrives. This is a simple way to reduce the speed with which your body absorbs alcohol. Have a jug of water on your table and stay hydrated. Water is essential for overall health and helps maintain proper digestion. Instead of opting for sugary beverages or alcohol, choose water or unsweetened beverages as your go-to option.

• Timing – if you are eating at an unusual time and something that is out of routine for you plan for this. A wise thing to have a small snack an hour or two beforehand, as this will reduce the likelihood of overindulging at the restaurant.
• Prioritize Socialising and Enjoyment – Remember that dining out isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the company and the overall experience. Focus on connecting with your loved ones, engaging in meaningful conversations, and enjoying the ambiance of the restaurant. By shifting the focus from solely the food to the overall experience, you’ll find that you’re less likely to overindulge and more likely to maintain a healthy mindset.

Conclusion-

Dining out can be a pleasurable and healthy experience with a little thought and planning. By making mindful choices, embracing fresh ingredients, and prioritizing portion control, you can strike a balance between savouring delicious flavours and maintaining your health goals. These tips should help you to relax and enjoy a night out ,so go ahead, explore new restaurants, and relish the joy of dining out while taking care of your well-being.