Healthy Eating: Making Healthy Choices When You Eat Out

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Introduction

For many people, eating out is a way to relax and socialize. But if you are watching your weight or just are concerned with healthy eating, dining out can be a challenge. The good news is that usually there are healthier options at every restaurant, even at fast-food places. By following some simple guidelines, you can enjoy eating out and still have a healthy diet.

Key points

• Plan ahead. Before you go out to eat, think about where you will eat and what you will select. It will be much easier to make healthy choices if you have already decided what you will order.
• Try not to arrive at the restaurant overly hungry. It's harder to make healthy food choices when you get too hungry.
• Think about your portions. Restaurants often serve portions that are enough to feed two or three people. To help you avoid overeating, order smaller portions, split a meal with someone else, or save part of your meal for later.
• Choose menu items that contain fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Restaurant meals are often low in these things. By adding these foods, you can have a balanced meal.

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 Why is it harder to make healthy choices when you eat out?

 How can you make healthy choices when you eat out?

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Last updated:	April 21, 2008
Author:	Christine Wendt, R.D., L.D.
Reviewed By:	Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition, Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator
Editors:	Cynthia Tank, Michele Cronen