After last night’s dinner with Emily, I realized how much my mindset has changed when it comes to dining out. There was a time where I really didn’t think that eating healthy and dining out could go hand-in-hand. Not only was I wrong, but I was missing the point on what is now one of my favorite social event. Dining out should be a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable experience. Here are some of my tips to enjoy your dining out experience while maintaining a healthy body AND mind.
1. Make Up Your Mind.
Sometimes when I go out to eat, I know that I want to “stay on track” with my healthy eating. Other times, though, I know that it’s a time I want to splurge a little bit. Take a minute or two to make a conscious decision about it. Why? Well, from personal experience, I find that if I splurge when I really had hoped to eat healthy, I feel kind of bleh afterward. And when I order a salad when I really wanted pizza, I end up completely unsatisfied, and may even end up eating more later. If you decide beforehand what you want the end result to be, you’ll be more likely to enjoy the dining out experience.
2. Acknowledge Your Cravings.
this? or that?
This is along those same lines. I’m a huge believer in giving-in to your cravings, and eating out is usually a good opportunity to do that. If you’ve been craving filet mignon for weeks, a pork chop isn’t going to cut it. When I eat at a restaurant, I want to leave feeling satisfied. So if I’m craving something specific, I get it! **I want to point out that giving-in to cravings does NOT have to mean overeating. In fact, when I eat something I’m truly in the mood for, I tend to be satisfied with less. Whereas, if I order something that I wasn’t really craving, I’ll pick at everything else at the table and sometimes even end up eating more.
3. Look At Menu Beforehand…Or Not.
Okay – here’s the deal with this one. Most restaurant menus are available online these days, which is a great resource for many people. I do tend to look at online menus if I want to get an idea of what kind of food they offer and the prices. BUT – I *personally* prefer not to pre-examine the menu and choose what I’m going to order. Why? Well, I kind of enjoy the element of surprise of going to a restaurant and opening the menu to see the options. But like I said – that’s just me. I completely understand why looking at menu options is helpful for people – especially if you’re really trying to stay on track with healthy eating. Being prepared truly is one of the best ways to eat healthy while dining out.
4. Nothing Is Off Limits.
Look, I’m not saying order everything and anything that looks good. What I’m saying is that if you view certain foods as being “good” or “bad” (at restaurants and in general) you’re not going to enjoy yourself as much. Don’t let eating at restaurants turn into a stigma. Dining out shouldn’t be an obstacle course or a battle that you hope to come out of alive – it should be a fun and relaxing experience.
5. Make Compromises.
Like I said before, acknowledging your cravings does not equal overeating. This is something that we (even I) seem to get stuck in our heads. Sure, sometimes eating a certain not-so-healthy food can trigger overeating, but I’m a big believer in trying to work against the habit. Why? Because life is too short to feel deprived, plain and simple! Instead, what I do is make healthy compromises. If I’m seriously in the mood for pizza, I’ll have one or two slices with a big, veggie-filled salad on the side. Or sometimes if I want an ice cream sundae one night, I’ll stick to a lighter dinner. I’m certainly not saying to “save calories,” but one of the good things about acknowledging cravings is that it allows you to find ways to satisfy them without completely overeating or bingeing.
6. Eat Your Veggies.
Whether you’re sticking to grilled fish or splurging on the fettucini alfredo, eat some veggies, will you? To me, this is an easy but important addition to a healthy lifestyle. It doesn’t require much thinking, and the more you do it, the more it will become a habit – one that you’ll certainly never regret.
7. Order Something You Don’t Eat Often.
Story time: When my family and I eat at an Italian restaurant, my dad often orders spaghetti and meatballs. Every single time I say, “Dad, don’t you want to try something that you don’t normally eat?” He ponders the idea but then usually ends up ordering it anyway, and it secretly bothers me the rest of the night. Haha! Okay, so maybe that’s crazy on my part. But to me, eating at a restaurant is the perfect opportunity to eat delicious food that I don’t get to eat on a normal basis. Sure, there are certain dishes that I generally prefer (i.e. seafood, crab cakes, gnocchi), but – those are still foods that I don’t eat regularly. I’m not saying to ignore your craving if you truly want something that isn’t exactly “exotic.” But if you can’t make up your mind – try something new! It will add even more excitement to the dining out experience.
8. Ask The Server.
sweet potato instead of baked? And no sauce? don't mind if I do!
Don’t be afraid to ask your server about certain menu items or for healthy substitutions. Everyone and their mom has some sort of dietary need or restriction these days, so it’s something that servers are generally prepared for. In fact, servers probably like to accommodate you because it probably means a better tip for them! So if you want to sub a sweet potato for a baked potato or a side salad for fries – just ask! 9 times out of 10 they will be able to make those changes for you.
9. Eat Slowly.
Confession – eating too fast is probably my most unhealthy habit, but I’m working on it! Eating slowly is beneficial in so many ways. First of all, you’ll be much more aware of when you’re getting full, thus less likely to overeat. Secondly, you’ll simply enjoy your food so much more! Savor each bite and take some time to recognize the flavors and textures going on. This will also help you to be more satisfied with your meal. Lastly, eating slowly usually means that you’re more able to focus on the other important aspect of eating out – socializing with others.
10. Enjoy The Company.
This, my friends, is what I think is the most important aspect of going out to eat. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with viewing eating as a social event. In fact, like I said earlier – it’s probably my favorite social event! Instead of focusing completely on the food and what you can or can’t eat or if you’re eating too much or not enough….RELAX! Start up an interesting conversation. Catch up with an old friend. Laugh! To me, socializing with others and cultivating relationships is arguably MORE healthy than whatever you might decide to eat.
- What’s you advice for staying healthy while dining out?
- Which of my tips do you agree or disagree with the most?
I agree with you 100 percent here. When I go out to eat, I know I’m not going to eat as healthfully as I would at home. But if I just get the most healthy thing on the menu, I often feel cheated. So I realize I can splurge a bit if I’m having an intense craving or if it’s a special event. I don’t eat out every night, and sometimes there are things I’d never make that I really want to try.
This is such a wonderful post! I love your first point about making up your mind about whether or not you’re going to splurge. When I indulge in a CONSCIOUS way, I am better able to enjoy it because I feel like the decision was mine and it was rational, rather than just acting impulsively.
Also, I’m like you in that I prefer to order something that I’ve never had before, or something I probably wouldn’t make for myself at home.
I agree with your tips. When I go out to eat, I normally go out for two reasons:
1) I don’t have much of a choice (traveling, etc)
2) I want to go out for the experience
When I go out because I must, I eat very well and try to eat as I would at home. But if I am going out for the experience, I order whatever I want and don’t think about the fat, calories, etc. Because if I don’t I end up leaving disapointed. That being said, I stop when I am full and try to never “stuff” myself although it does happen from time to time.
I really think one of the most important things is to eat slowly! Not that I always do that, but still. That way even if you’ve ordered something “unhealthy,” you will know to stop when you’re full! Restaurant portions are so huge at most places these days that the main problem I run into is overeating and then feeling I need to be rolled out of the place. No fun!
I LOVE this post! So many great tips, and so different than the usual “these are substitutions you can ask for to make the dish you order healthier….” LOVE it!
Gracie~
I am going on a trip in a few weeks and will be eating out every single night for 3 days straight. Most people would be looking forward to these dining experiences, but to be completely honest, eating in restaurants often freaks me out. I worry about the mass number of calories, fat grams, unknown ingredients, etc. that goes into my food, and as a result, I can’t enjoy myself or focus on enjoying the company of others. But you said it SO well: “Don’t let eating at restaurants turn into a stigma. Dining out shouldn’t be an obstacle course or a battle that you hope to come out of alive – it should be a fun and relaxing experience.” Thank you so much for this wisdom, girl!! Although eating out is something that I definitely struggle with, this post helped me reexamine my viewpoint and shift my focus. I actually printed this post out because I like it so much! 
All I have to say is this post is absolutely AMAZING!! You are truly an inspiration, girl!
I agree so much with just getting what you really want. And if you get something “bad” that doesnt mean overeating and eating the pizza like it’s going out of style. Great tips and GREAT reminders.
Wonderful post, Gracie. Thank you for that. Sometimes when I read blogs, I feel like I too am a bad person if I go to the burger place and don´t order a veggie burger plain with no bun and salad on the side. Sure, there´s nothing wrong with that, but it is so easy for health to become such an obsession that it gets between us and LIVING. One meal out a week with a treat or two is not going to make us fat and ugly and out of shape! But it can be hard to “let go” if you´re living with so many restrictions for yourself. I went out for brunch over Christmas with my family and I really wanted the cinnamon roll french toast (yes, it is unhealthy as it sounds). But I ended up ordering the egg white omelet with sprouts, tomatoes, and avocado… and spent the whole meal regretting it instead of enjoying my family´s company. Never again! Bring on the french toast
I love your tips girl.
Great points Gracie, I try to keep these things in mind when I eat out too. We don’t do it often so for me I get what I want and I enjoy it. You’re awesome!
you’re amazing Gracie!! every single point is so true and I really try to think about some of these things when I eat out- especially the last two! love you
Awesome post!! I agree with everything you said- learning to enjoy eating out again was a challenge after my ED, but now I love it!! For me, looking at the menu beforehand really helps. Since I don’t eat meat, I like to figure out what options I have beforehand, and see if I can try to make a substitution in say, a dish with meat sauce. Seafood is my go-to menu choice, but I always try to try new kinds and presentations! Hope you have an amazing day girl!!
Could this apply to my life any more right now?! Haha. My parents came into town so we went to a bunch of restaurants and I didn’t realize but I do go through these steps. I especially enjoyed the company!
Gracie you are dead on with all 10 of these tips. Dead on. I am so happy that I read your blog because it gives me so much insight & also confirms the thoughts I think in my head/live by. LOVE YOU! Most of the time, I do look at the menu to decrease my anxiety of the unknown & to find if they will have a vegetarian option. Sometimes I am quite limited in my veg options but I will take company over vegetarian options any day
)
Great tips! I also try to get things I wouldn’t normally have at home when I am out. Some days I try to order a healthy entree so I can enjoy some drinks and other days I’ll just enjoy a nice big dessert!
Hi Emily,
I just found your site and I think it’s awesome. You had such a fun attitude! I also really enjoyed this post! I’m particularly fond of EAT SLOWLY! My husband struggles with this! He will literally be done before I’ve had 3 bites. MEN.
I just discovered your blog and I’m so glad I did!! I’m right now on a diet and exercise plan and we finally went out last Tuesday to a restaurant (after a month of eating at home!) and I was majorly nervous. If I had read your tips beforehand I would’ve been fine! Thanks for sharing these
Thanks for the tips! I try to be good when I am out, but within reason. I allow myself to have what I want, but try to make healthier substitutions for the sides, etc.
i try to split my food with someone else, take sips of water in between bites and really participate in the conversation. you go out to eat for the experience with friends, not just for the food. you could make the food at home!
I usually like to look at a menu before if I can, but if I can’t thats okay too. I like your suggestion that nothing is off limits, sometimes you just have to splurge and listen to our cravings!
Great tips Gracie. I like the one about deciding ahead of time if you are going to indulge or not. I tend to do that every time I go out and it certainly helps when it’s time to tell the server your order.
I too eat way too fast. I think I get if from my Dad because my mom eats so slowly. It’s something I’m working on as well.
I love your 10 ways. Your point on compromises is perfect! I tell all of my clients that their plan will never last if they try and cut something out all together. Your blog is stellar!
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