Healthy Dining Out: Bridal Personal Trainer’s Guide to Making Better Choices

As a bridal personal trainer, one of the most common concerns I hear from my clients is how to make better choices when eating at a restaurant. I completely understand the struggle, because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good meal out? But with so many delicious options, it can be hard to make healthy choices every time we go out to eat at a restaurant.

That’s why I want to share with you some simple tips and strategies to help you make better choices when dining out. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your meals without feeling guilty or derailing your nutrition plan.

Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to make better choices when eating at a restaurant is to plan ahead. Before you go out to eat, take a few minutes to research the menu online. Look for dishes that are high in protein and low in calories, and make a mental note of what you’d like to order. This will help you avoid impulse decisions when you’re at the restaurant and make it easier to stick to your healthy eating plan.

Make smart substitutions

Many restaurants are happy to make substitutions to dishes, so don’t be afraid to ask for a side of vegetables instead of fries or a side salad instead of a creamy soup. You can also ask for your dish to be prepared with less oil or butter, which can help reduce the calorie content.

Portion Control

Restaurant portions are often much larger than what you would eat at home. To avoid overeating, consider splitting a dish with a friend or taking half of it home for leftovers. You can also ask your server to bring the dish with a smaller portion size, or you can ask them to bring you half the portion and have the other half already boxed up to go! Large portions make awesome leftovers!

Take time to enjoy your food

Eating too quickly can lead to overeating, so take your time and savor each bite. This will help you feel full faster and prevent you from overindulging. Practice being in the present moment and really enjoying each bite. I like placing my fork down after every bite and taking a moment from eating, so I don’t finish my meal too quickly.

Hydrate

Drinking water with your meal is not only a healthy habit but also helps you feel full faster and prevent overeating. Avoid sugary drinks and stick to water, tea, or coffee. Drinking water before your meal can also help prevent overeating.

Always check for healthy options 

Many restaurant menus now have a special section for healthier options, so be sure to check that out before ordering. Also, if you are ordering something that is high in calories, make sure to balance it out with some salad or vegetables.

Don’t feel guilty

As a bride-to-be, you should enjoy this special time in your life without feeling guilty about what you eat. Remember, it’s all about balance and moderation. You don’t have to deprive yourself of the foods you love, but making smart choices can help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals. If you feel like you had a “slip up” and indulge in something you shouldn’t have, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just make sure to get back on track with your next meal.

Eating at a restaurant doesn’t have to be a diet-breaking experience. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make better choices and still enjoy your meals. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. I am always happy to help and provide guidance to help you reach your health and fitness goals.