A Parent’s Guide to… eating out

From Monday 17th May, we can dine out, INSIDE! No more soggy chips or shivering roasts! 

However, for those of us trying to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet, eating out at restaurants may make things a little difficult. Avoiding unhealthy ingredients, such as butter, salt and saturated fats seems impossible, which may make eating out feel like a step backwards.  

Eating out should be a fun and sociable occasion, yet if you are eating out more than usual, here are a few tips and tricks to keep up your sleeve to make eating out both enjoyable AND healthy!

While the re-opening of restaurants is exciting, we don’t necessarily have to eat out every week/several times a week. Limit how often you dine out, it’ll feel all the more special when you do! 

Select restaurants that have plenty of fresh and healthy options. Look up the menu before heading out and find those healthier, more balanced options – decide on what you’ll order before you get there, so you’re not tempted into a less healthy choice in the moment!

Some restaurants offer really large portions – particularly for children. Ask for a kids menu, see if the restaurant can cater for smaller portions, have either a starter OR a pud, or why not share?!  

B

Balance: Opt for healthier sides (such as a salad, or veg) rather than fries or garlic bread, to maintain a balanced plate.

P

Portion Size – Use the tips above to keep your portion sizes in check.

L

Language – try to avoid/reduce the foods with words such as: fried, battered, crispy, breaded, creamy, and instead opt for dishes which use words like: grilled, steamed, baked, roasted, broiled, seared.

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Carbohydrates – try to avoid doubling up on high carb sides (e.g., instead of rice and a naan bread, try rice and a vegetable side. Instead of onion rings and garlic bread, try garlic bread and a mixed salad)