{"id":13136,"date":"2013-02-11T09:07:44","date_gmt":"2013-02-11T09:07:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.famifi.com\/oc\/tips-for-eating-healthy-when-dining-out\/"},"modified":"2013-02-11T09:07:44","modified_gmt":"2013-02-11T09:07:44","slug":"tips-for-eating-healthy-when-dining-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.familytoday.com\/self-care\/tips-for-eating-healthy-when-dining-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for eating healthy when dining out"},"content":{"rendered":"

In my house, we have a weekly date night that usually includes a dinner out to whichever establishment for which we happen to have a coupon. I completely look forward to going because I don't have to cook or clean, which is just fabulous once in a while.<\/p>\n

It turns out, however that the average household eats out\u00a0three times per week. If we're eating out that much, it's smart to figure out a healthy way to enjoy a meal on the town.<\/p>\n

USA Today reported in October 2006<\/a> that restaurant meals contain 60 percent more calories than meals prepared at home. Even seemingly healthy options such as salads can be diet busters when you add nuts, bacon, eggs, avocado, and creamy dressings. Restaurants want the food to taste good and seem like a great bargain so you'll keep coming back. As a result, the food contains high amounts of fat, salt, and added sugars, within gargantuan portions.<\/p>

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Sometimes finding healthy eating options can be a little tricky when we go out to dinner with restaurants offering such a large variety of menu items. How does one choose? Some of these healthy tips came from Livestrong.com<\/a>. They have a lot of healthy, helpful ideas.<\/p>\n

Let's begin with salad. I like to eat a salad when I'm eating out, but I don't like a lot of salad dressing. I've found that most restaurants overload. Consider asking for dressing as a side. You can dress the salad yourself without going overboard, or dip your fork in the dressing and get a bite. Salads with fiber will help fill you up too. Try salads with seeds, lentils, beans, grapes, or raspberries.<\/p>\n

Most restaurants offer \"healthier fare\" menu items; there's usually a key at the bottom of the menu telling you which items are lower in fat and calories. When perusing these choices on the menu, consider the following suggestions:<\/p>\n