7 Ways to Make Healthier Choices When Eating Out

Have you made a resolution to eat healthier this year?  Following through with your resolution can be challenging when faced with eating outside of the home.  While eating most of your meals at home is ideal, you should still be able to enjoy a meal at a restaurant on occasion.  The important thing to remember is to make the best choices you can.  And if your favourite restaurant does not offer many healthy options, you may want to find some new favourites for 2012.

Here are 7 tips to help you stay on track while dining out:

1. Make sure there is a good amount of vegetable with your meal.  If it is not included with your dish, order a side salad or a side of cooked vegetables.

2. Choose whole grains, when available, instead of white rice, pastas or bread.  Many restaurants now have whole wheat pasta options and often sushi restaurants offer a substitution of brown rice for a small extra charge.

3. Avoid anything that is deep fried.  Ask to substitute fries with a side salad.

4. Choose tomato sauce over cream-based sauces.

5. If your meal portion is large, try not to eat the whole thing.  Ask to have it packed up and save it for another meal.

6. Skip the sugary beverages such as pop, lemonade or iced tea.  Instead, enjoy a refreshing glass of water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

7. Don't look at the dessert menu!