Do you make healthy choices when eating out?

Eating out can be quite challenging when trying to improve our eating habits.

Eating out is also fun and sociable.

Studies have linked eating out with overeating and poor food choices.

Here are 5 tips to help you stick to your health goals without having to give up your social life:

1. Have a healthy snack before you arrive – If you’re hungry when you arrive at a restaurant, you may end up eating too much. Eat a healthy snack before you get there.

2. Check how food is cooked and prepared – The way food is cooked can have a significant impact on the amount of calories it contains. Opt for foods that have been steamed, grilled, roasted or poached. Pan-fried, fried, crispy, crunchy or sautéed foods will usually contain more fat and more calories.

3. Starter: Order a soup or a salad – Having a soup or a salad before your main course can stop you from eating too much.

4. Make healthy swaps – Most people aren’t eating enough vegetables. Vegetables are great, amd contain very few calories. Swap part of your meal, such as fries or potatoes, for extra vegetables or a salad. You’ll boost your vegetable intake and cut your calories.

5. Avoid sugar sweetened beverages – Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is strongly linked with an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Opt for water, unsweetened tea or a post dinner coffee