Tips for Healthy Restaurant Eating

I needed ideas for healthy restaurant eating. My children are getting older, so now we occasionally go out to eat at places that have tablecloths and waiters who don’t have to wear red, blue, and yellow striped clown uniforms.

Things are really looking up for us.

Eating at a restaurant seemed like a break from cooking at home, but it was not without its challenges.

I learned that giving three kids the bread basket is the equivalent of inviting three cannibals to dinner and you are the main course. My children went home from dinner that night, having eaten bread. About five minutes after we arrived home from the restaurant, my children complained they were still hungry.

I ended up fixing dinner for them at home that night. Was healthy restaurant eating really possible?

We realized we had to combat the cannibal and bread basket scenario. My children only have the ability to wait approximately three nanoseconds (yes, I have timed it), after we sit down at the table to demand their food. I gave them a quick snack of ice water and a cheese stick about half an hour before we left for the restaurant.

Never being one to miss a snack, I joined them in their cheese and water fiesta. I found that when I arrived at dinner, I was not as hungry.

Now when the waiter offers the bread basket, we decline, usually much to his horror. We know that our cannibals have eaten their cheese before dinner and we bring plenty of drawing material and small books to the restaurant as their pre-meal diversion.

When we go out, I generally navigate towards some type of leaner protein, such as chicken, fish, or steak, and a salad with dressing on the side. I dip my fork in the dressing and then take a bite so I get dressing with every bite, but my salad in not doused in dressing.

Fresh fruit is the noble choice for dessert. I’m just not that noble.

I prefer to order the pastry chef’s special dessert and share it with everyone at the table. It is the only occasion that the “tapas” model of eating seems to work for me. Perhaps my children are teaching me to share.

Try these tips for healthy restaurant eating:

1. Eat a healthy small snack before going out to dinner.
2. Remove the breadbasket from the table. Or in my case, the chips and salsa.
3. Ask for what you want. Most restaurant kitchens can easily accommodate your healthy requests. Channel your inner Harry Met Sally.
4. Eat leaner protein such as chicken, fish, or lean steak. Order them baked, steamed, or grilled.
4. Ask for salad dressing on the side. Dip your fork in the dressing first and then bite the salad.
5. Drink water instead of soda.
7. Put your fork down between bites and listen to your body. When you are full, ask the waiter to wrap up the rest of your dinner so you can take it home.
8. Don't deprive yourself at the meal. If you want desert, order it and share it will your dining companions.

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