How to Eat Out Less for Better Nutrition

When you eat out less then you truly can improve your day-to-day nutrition. The hard part is doing it.

 

When you eat out less then you can concentrate and stay in control of eating nutritiously. Three great benefits of eating out less are that you will: eat a moderate amount of food; eat a less processed plate of food; and eat higher quality nutrition within your budget.

Tips for How to Eat Out Less…and feel your best

Here are 5 strategies to try:

1. Take time to plan meals. Thirty minutes of ‘up front time’ will allow you to think about what to prepare for your upcoming meals. Planning works well either by the week or half week and taking back good nutrition begins here.
2. Follow through with a shopping list. After planning, a detailed food shopping list will keep you organized and on-target. Whatever is on your meal plan needs to be on your list, minus what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer.
3. Execute your meal plan. Make an effort to stick with your plan since you have now purchased the foods you want to prep into meals. Don’t expect perfection and strive for a good effort. You’ll be surprised at how well you do with the determination to succeed.
4. Snag a quick meal from the grocery store. Rotisserie chicken comes to mind along with in-store salad bar (with nutritious choices.) Or, pick up the ready-to-eat hummus, whole grain crackers, and an apple.
5. Snag another quick meal from the grocery store. Frozen, ready-to-heat whole grain + veggie mixtures are now available, and they’re delicious. Or, pick up a simple sandwich made on whole grain bread, some bean salad, and cut-up melon.

Tips for Better Nutrition from a Restaurant…when you can’t stay away

I wrote an earlier blog about Nutritious Restaurant Eating and there is a strategy to use:

1. Make a careful choice of restaurant. Then go to one that offers healthy nutrition.
2. Preview the menu ahead of time. This will help you make a thoughtful meal choice.
3. Share a meal. This will help you to end up with a moderate amount of food.
4. Ask for sauce or dressing on the side. Then, at home you may decide to use a simple and nutritious drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and/or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
5. Steer clear of poor nutrition desserts. Instead, finish your meal at home with sweet fruit.

A Healthier Life Begins in Your Kitchen

Staying in control of nutrition isn’t easy. Yet it’s easier when you eat out less and manage meals from within your kitchen. To do this, resources such as meal ideas and recipes are super helpful. Here is my free resource called Easy Mediterranean Menus so please take a look. There are recipes included, too.

Which of the above tips resonate with you the most and why?