America has a severe problem with portion control and healthy alternatives at restaurants. On average, meals at restaurants are 1,205 calories. That is nearly half the daily recommended caloric intake for adults.
Eating out is a great way to relax and treat yourself, however, if you are on a diet it can be difficult to choose healthy alternatives. By finding healthy restaurants in Greensboro, NC you can narrow your dining options and still monitor your intake on a night out.
Committing to eating healthy can be a challenge once you step outside of your home. At home, you can control what kinds of products you keep stocked in your fridge and pantry, however, when you eat out you must exert more willpower to keep healthy eating in focus.
Keep reading to learn more about how to find the best healthy restaurants in Greensboro.
Research Healthy Restaurants in Greensboro Before Eating Out
Before making plans to eat out do your research. Look into restaurants’ online menus, social media, and reviews. Most restaurants also have a digital presence so you can prepare your stomach before arrival.
Looking up vegan-friendly, farm-to-table, and ethnic restaurants is a good way to ensure there are healthy menu options. As a rule of thumb, Italian and Southern-Style restaurants often cook with heavy portions of butter and oil.
CoreLife Eatery, Clean Eatz, and Boba House are just a few of the healthy restaurants that are found in Greensboro. All of these restaurants thrive by making protein and greens the primary features of their meals. These restaurants pack their menus with balanced meals that are perfect for dining out.
Scout Healthy Menu Options
When you first sit down, scan the menu. Because of the growing desire for a healthy lifestyle, some restaurants even have a section of their menu dedicated to healthy dining options.
While you are looking over the different items and descriptions look for terms that are described as “grilled, baked, broiled, seared, or roasted.” These keywords to look for can give you the assurance that your meal was not drenched in lard or butter when being cooked.
You can be reassured of healthier options by picking a menu item that highlights protein over carbs. An easy way to When you are reviewing the menu you should order chicken or fish. These menu items are loaded with protein and healthy fats.
By looking at the menu in advance you can browse the ingredients, preparation methods and nutritional information without the pressure of a waitress circling. Reviewing the menu in advance can also keep you from hastily falling into temptation.
Create Healthy Substitutions on the Menu
When you’re ordering from a restaurant you have the ability to substitute and customize your meal. When you are eating you you can try to make your meal balanced and vegetable-heavy.
Before ordering ask your waiter or waitress questions about how the meal is prepared so you can know how much oil and salt is added in. You can ask to see if the kitchen is willing to customize your meal by going light on the oil or switching out an unhealthy side for a healthier alternative.
Restaurant appetizers are notorious for being fast unhealthy plates to binge on. If you are craving an appetizer ask for one that’s vegetable-heavy. This will at least get you filled up on something that’s light before your entrée comes.
Master Healthy Eating Habits
When you go out to eat, you don’t need to limit yourself to stick to your healthy lifestyle. By adopting healthy eating habits you can manage your appetite and enjoy a night on the town.
Pace Your Meal
When you eat, your gut produces hormones’ which tell your brain that you are full. The release of these hormones’ reduces your appetite. It takes nearly 20 minutes for your brain to register that your appetite is satisfied.
If you are eating out you should try to pace yourself and balance eating with conversation. Pacing your meal can actually help prevent you from overeating. When you eat rapidly, you don’t give your brain enough time to register that you are full.
Balance Your Meal
When you eat out a simple goal to have is to maintain a well-balanced plate. A balanced meal will focus on the three main food groups: meats, vegetables, and grains.
The best way to plate a meal is to strive for a meal that is 1/2 vegetables, 1/4 protein, and 1/4 carbohydrates. When dining out a lot of restaurants offer carb-heavy options, so balancing can be difficult. You shouldn’t need to be too mindful about adding dairy or fat into your meal, it usually will be present through the use of butter, sour cream, or oil.
Don’t Drink Your Calories
Resist drinking your calories away. Ordering fancy cocktails is a way to rapidly drive your caloric intake up. These mixed drinks are full of processed sugars and empty calories that can throw away your goals of healthy eating.
If the urge to order a drink can’t be shaken you should be stern about setting your limits. Wine, a light beer, and a vodka tonic are the healthier alternatives to sweet and fruity cocktails.
Find the Best Healthy Restaurants in Greensboro
A night on the town should not obstruct your goals of eating healthy. Committing to a life of healthy eating does not necessarily need to mean you are condoned to a life of strict dietary rules and guidelines.
By earmarking the best healthy restaurants in Greensboro you can stay dedicated to your healthy eating goals without sacrificing your social calendar. Contact us to learn more about living a healthy lifestyle and finding healthy restaurants in Greensboro, NC or schedule an appointment online.
