6 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2024
How to dine out while dieting
Making smart food choices and watching your portions are hallmarks of many diet plans . While nutritionists often say that losing weight and being healthy involves changing your relationship with food rather than adopting a particular fad diet , even the most carefully designed diets can be derailed when dining out .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , nearly one-half of adults tried to lose weight within the last 12 months .
In 43 markets surveyed within YouGov Global Profiles , 52 percent of global consumers are
“ usually trying to lose weight .”
Once people understand what goes into maintaining healthy diets at home , they can extend those lessons while dining out . The following is a sound approach to making smart food choices when out and about .
• Plan ahead . Look at the menu online and see what the offerings are . This way you can map out what you will be eating without feeling pressured or rushed at the restaurant .
• Don ’ t arrive hungry . Eat a small snack before you leave home so you ’ re not arriving at the restaurant with a growling belly . Choose small , protein-based snacks and whole grains , like some hummus and a slice of whole-wheat toast .
• Consider an appetizer . Dieting involves portion control . It can be easy to eat too much when dining out , as portions seemingly get larger and larger . Instead of choosing an entrée , opt for an appetizer or even something from the kids ’ menu , as those portions are likely to be smaller and more in line with the amount of food diners should be eating .
• Fill up on salad or vegetables . Salad and vegetables are nutritionally dense but low in calories for their serving sizes . By eating
6 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2024