We are lucky enough to be in a region that has incredible restaurants everywhere. Seriously, from Atlanta to Athens to Nashville to Asheville to Charleston to, well, anywhere else within driving distance, the South has killer food. But it can also be killer on your waistline if you’re dining out more that you’re going to the store.
Honestly, it’s easy to do while planning a wedding. Between work and coordinating family and finances, cooking dinner may seem daunting. But just because you’re racking up points on your American Express car by eating out doesn’t mean you can’t do it in a healthy way.
Check out some of these ways to stay on the healthy side while eating out at restaurants:
Be that person
If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, you may know that substituting menu items can sometimes be like pulling a cranky lion’s tooth. But if you’re serious about eating healthy, you should totally be that person who gives it a go.
We’re not talking about asking an Italian chef to make a black bean burger, but if you get a sandwhich, think about wheat bread instead of white, and a side salad with the dressing on the side instead of fries. That’s a totally reasonable order and if your waiter/waitress gives you sass, then order a cappuccino, too. They love making those. Actually, make that a chai latte with soy milk.
Slow it down
It’s pretty simple: eating dinner is not a race. In fact, if you’re at a nice restaurant, you should probably not treat it like Waffle House at 3 a.m. Slowing down not only allows you to enjoy the food and company more, but it can also save you some calories.
There are plenty of sources that say it takes about 20 minutes before your brain gets the message that you’re full. Our sources point to the fact that your taste buds will never say stop. Slow it down, tease your taste buds and listen to your body.
Embrace family style
For those not up to speed on the restaurant lingo, family style is a style of dining when food comes out of the kitchen as ready and put in the middle for the table for everyone to share. It’s awesome. It’s not only a cool way to eat and try a bunch of different stuff, it can help with portion control, too.
Instead of everyone getting an entree and sharing apps, why not get a few apps and an entree to share around? You basically get a tasting menu of the restaurant, it paces your meal and you are less tempted to polish off a shared plate.
(We don’t have any science behind family style being a bit healthier way to eat, we just love it and are making a solid case for it.)
If you need help with getting motivated to live a healthier lifestlye, why not look into getting a Fitbit? Better yet, how about winning a one? We’re giving away a Fitbit to help you stay motivated. All you have to do is request some more information about our sweet wedding entertainment services and you’re entered to win*.
*Some restrictions apply.
