We once again teamed up with Beachbody coach and personal trainer Clay Manley to help you achieve your wellness goals! This time around, we're giving you invaluable information on how to order at restaurants and continue working toward your goals. Clay mapped out 20 easy ways to dine out and be healthy at the same time. Check 'em out!
20. Replace Fries
Substitute fruit or veggies for those fries to make your meal as healthy as possible.
19. Have An Appetizer As Your Entree
Appetizer servings tend to be smaller, and with things such as lettuce wraps, they may even be a healthier option than menu entrees.
18. Request Fruits And Veggies As Sides
Add a side of fruit to your meal to help fill your stomach with nutrient-dense foods.
17. No Buns
Most people consume way more than the recommended serving of carbs per day. Avoid over-eating these high-calorie and often highly-processed foods by skipping on buns.
16. Fill Up On Nutrient Dense Foods (Like A Salad Or Veggies) FIRST
Start your meal on a healthy note with a small salad or appetizer of veggies, especially if you go to dinner on an empty stomach!
15. Eat SLOW
When you eat, it takes the food several seconds to reach your stomach. It takes even longer for your stomach to send the signal to your brain that you're full. Eat slow to give your body time to process your food.
14. Avoid Chips (Or Limit To One Handful)
Chips are empty calories, and they're easily over-eaten. Either completely avoid getting chips at the table, or practice your self-control by limiting your chip consumption to one handful.
13. Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Healthy Substitutions
Restaurants are becoming more flexible and health-focused than ever before. They're more willing to substitute sides of fries and other starches for healthier options, so don't be afraid to ask!
12. All Sauces On The Side
Ordering a salad saturated in dressing is not a healthy decision! Get all sauces on the side in order to control how much fat and calories you add to your meal.
11. White Meats Are Better Than Dark Meats
You're probably familiar with the perils of red meat and dark meat, so this one should be a no-brainer. Lean, white meat is the way to go!
10. Seafood Is Generally A Safe Option (No Fried!)
Ordering deep-fried fish with creamy dipping sauces will negate this healthy choice. Stick with fresh, grilled seafoods for the healthiest options.
9. Split An Entree With A Friend
Save yourself the temptation of over-eating by agreeing to share a plate with a friend. It automatically cuts the calories in half!
8. Always Go Grilled
Save calories by skipping fried options and go with grilled instead. It's a much healthier alternative.
7. Baked Is Your Second Best Option
If grilled isn't your thing, the second best option is baked chicken. Of course, going with baked does limit your choice of meat to mostly chicken (which is healthier than dark meats.)
6. Treat Fruit Like Dessert
Sweet fruits, such as strawberries, can help curb your sugar craving post-meal. You'll feel better about the decision of snacking on fruits than if you were to order that high-calorie chocolate lava cake.
5. Request Your Entree Be Cut In Half
Request half of your entree to be boxed up to-go prior to being served. Seeing only half the meal on your plate will help you feel full and result in eating less. Plus, restaurant portions are typically more than one serving, and the entire meal shouldn't be consumed in one sitting.
4. Don't Go Starving
Have a healthy protein snack before going to the restaurant. Going out to eat on an empty stomach will only result in over-eating unhealthy, fatty foods.
3. If You Need Booze, Stick With One Glass Of Red Wine
Red wine actually has health benefits when consumed in moderation. It's also far less calories than sugary cocktails.
2. Water Only
Water is a great calorie-free way to help fill your stomach, which results in eating less.