3 Tips for Eating Healthy at Restaurants

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.

Man Up: Getting in Shape for that Wedding Tuxedo

There is plenty of material out there on how women can get in shape in the months, weeks and days leading up to a wedding. But what about the men? Are they supposed to just sit around and eat doughnuts (yes, it’s been a week we still love doughnuts)? They’re in the wedding photos, too... right?

Men, we say stand up, get out there and get in shape for your wedding day! Don’t let the ladies have all the fun. Now, we’re not talking about bulking up and trying to fit into your tux looking like this. No, we’re talking about dropping a few pounds and feeling good about yourself. After all, confidence is one of the most attractive things about a man. Am I right, ladies?  

We’ve put together some ways for the men to look (and feel) just as good as their lady counterpart... well, maybe close. A bride always takes the day -- it's just facts. Women, you’re welcome.

Diet. Diet. Diet.

Yes, you may have heard this over and over and over again, but it’s for a reason. Your diet is the No. 1 priority when starting an exercise regiment. You can spend hours at the gym blasting your pecs or killing your cardio, but the reality of it is it’s all for not if you don’t have the diet to go along with it.

It all starts with breakfast (most important meal of the day, right?) Think whole wheats and natural grains. They’ll help you stay full the longest. Don’t touch the doughnuts. We get they may be the best thing on this planet, but don’t touch ‘em… until after the wedding.

Honestly, we don't need to go through the rest of the day's meals. It’s not rocket science: portion control, lots of veggies and some lean meats and you’re good to go. There is plenty of literature out there on how to construct a great diet.  

We will advice, however, if you’re looking for a beer, reach for a Guinness. Yes, seriously. A Guinness contains about as much alcohol as a Bud Light and only about 15 more calories per equal serving. So, yeah, cheers to that!

Cardio vs. Weight Lifting

You may think it’s time to strap on the running shoes and hit the treadmill, but the truth is a cardio-only program may end up hurting you. Cardio, in heavy doses, breaks down muscle and, as you may know, muscle can be pretty important.

On the flip side, if you completely ignore cardio, your cardiorespiratory system won’t receive the benefits. So, the idea here is to do both, but lean a little more on the lifting side. Trust us, it’s science.

Just Do It

Sorry, not sorry Nike. The answer to weight loss isn’t hidden for Indiana Jones to find. It’s honestly just as simple as doing something positive every day. Switching that burger for a salad or skipping the elevator and walking up the stairs to your office are great starts.

If you want faster results, enhance those efforts and you’ll see it. Keep those efforts going and you’ll look awesome on your honeymoon and first anniversary. You may even find yourself working out as a couple.

Trust us, just get out there and you’ll be glad you did.

If you need a little boost, 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.