4 Ways to Stay Fit While Eating Out

Staying fit while eating out can feel like a difficult challenge. Whether it’s ladies night out or happy hour with the fellas, you don’t want to be the one who always passes up a frozen margarita and bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers.

It can be hard controlling your urges and sticking to your diet plan. This is especially true when all you want to do is to enjoy your night out.

Staying on a meal plan does take discipline, but it doesn’t always have to feel like a difficult feat. It’s okay to eat out. Good food and great company go hand in hand.

Rest assured, I’m here to tell you how you can enjoy all the menu has to offer and still say fit.

Below are 4 ways to stay fit while eating out.

1. KNOW THE MENU BEFOREHAND

The best way to stay ahead of the game is to get familiar with the restaurant’s menu. Take time to Google the restaurant and look at the menu prior to eating out.

Once you’ve glanced at the menu, find foods that fit your meal plan and that can help you stay on track with your diet.

Remember, preparation is key. If you are prepared before you get to the restaurant, you won’t feel pressured to eat outside of your comfort zone by the time the server is ready to take your order.

2. ALWAYS ASK FOR SAUCE ON THE SIDE

It’s hard to pass up good sauces. I should know. From blue cheese dressing on a wedge salad to an Oscar sauce on my favorite steak; sauces are my greatest weakness.

Unless your meal comes straight out of your kitchen, sauces are hard to avoid. Restaurants cook with sauces to make sure that the food that touches your palate tastes amazing.

However, sauces tend to have ingredients that are high in fat which could make your caloric content higher than you want it to be.

To avoid eating unwanted calories, ask for the sauce on the side. Doing so helps you control the amount of sauce you put on your food.

3. GET A TO-GO BOX BEFORE YOU START EATING

As soon as the server brings out your food, ask for a to-go box. Afterwards, pack half of your food to-go.

Meal portion sizes plays a big part in reaching your nutrition goals. If you box up half of your meal, you won’t be tempted to over indulge and overeat.

4. IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Always ask your server about changes to any entrees that can keep your meal within your *macros.

* Short for for macronutrients: the fat, protein, and carbohydrates that make up a food’s composition, and help you create energy.

Sometimes, the restaurant can make food accommodation at your request. More so, your server could also give you a better alternative or suggest great off menu items.

So, don’t be scared to ask questions. It’s quite possible your server will be excited to share their knowledge of the menu with you. Furthermore, most servers can make recommendations that help you stay on track.

ENJOY EATING OUT 

Eating out while on a meal plan or while following a certain amount of macros doesn’t have to be impossible. In today’s world where the average person eats out between 3-4 times a week, staying fit while eating out can feel difficult. But, if you’re mindful of your choices and your portion sizes, you can stay on the right path to reaching your nutrition goals!