Eating Out on a Diet? Try These 3 Healthy Dishes

If you’re on a diet, you know that outings, parties, conferences and other events that don’t take place in your own home can make it hard to stick to your weight-loss plan. This is definitely true when eating out at restaurants.

There are often dishes that look so good, you simply can’t resist. Friends and family may encourage you to get whatever you want, and you may think to yourself, “This is a special occasion!”

Sometimes, special occasion meals or “cheat meals” are okay, but what’s even better is finding something healthy and tasty that you can partake in without guilt. 

Here are three dishes that are generally the healthiest choices when eating out.

Salads

You knew we were going to say salads, didn’t you!

Yes, salads are generally the safest bet when it comes to diet-friendly foods. The key here is to know what the “good salads” look like. Those laden with meats, cheeses, croutons, side bread and globs of high-calorie dressing can actually have nearly the same calories and carbs as a hamburger or club sandwich.

Instead, opt for salads that are heavy in vegetables (or fruit), a slight amount of meat and just a few croutons or nuts. A high-protein food is also good to add to a salad, and you should always opt for the vinaigrette dressing.

Soup

Soups are the same as salads — know which ones to choose because they’re not all diet-friendly. 

Generally speaking, broth-based soups are your friend, but thicker soups can be dangerous. Furthermore, if the soup comes with a side of bread, ask to replace it with a small salad or some grilled vegetables, even if it costs a bit more. 

Meat and Vegetables

Lastly, consider a meat and vegetable dish. Try a lean steak or piece of chicken with a skewer of grilled vegetables and a baked potato. An even leaner option is to have fish along with some roasted vegetables. The main goal is to steer clear of side bread, gravy and other high-calorie foods. 

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