The Truth About Diets and Restaurants

Diets and restaurants don’t mix.

This is one of the most common myths out there when it comes to weight loss.  The truth is that it’s time to embrace restaurants as part of our diets, as a resource to help us succeed at our weight loss goals!

Statistics indicate that Americans eat out an average of about 5 times per week.  These meals include “I need to get away” lunches, “butterflies in the stomach” dinners, “Why did I hit the snooze button again?” breakfasts, “Do your homework while I drive” family dinners, “cheers to the new job” brunches and everything in between.  Unless you’re ready to give up all of the convenience, fun and flavor of those meals, it may be time to ditch the “don’t mix” myth.  Weight loss success depends on taking your diet out to dinner, making the best choices whether you’re eating a carefully planned meal at home or a spur of the moment meal at a restaurant.

Here’s how:

  • Get to know yourself and your dietOne size does not fit all when it comes to health and weight loss.  What foods and flavors do you really enjoy, what are the basic guidelines for your diet, how will restaurants help you win at weight loss?
  • Flip your thinking: Focus on the great choices at restaurants that can help you reach your goals.  Stop falling for the shock pieces that focus only on the worst choices or the food and restaurant stereotypes, and you’re sure to find more diet-friendly choices.
  • Think small:  One ingredient, one choice, one meal, one day, one week.  Wherever you are in your weight loss and healthy lifestyle journey, there is a choice you can make for the better.

Diets and restaurants not only mix, but using restaurants as part of your healthy diet can be a smart choice for real success.

How will you take your diet out to dinner today?

Health experts like Healthy Dining’s team of registered dietitians recommend making healthy and sustainable changes for long term weight loss success.  Menu choices like these can help with the flavor and convenience you want plus the nutrition you need to reach your goals: 

Halibut with Orange Mint Basil at Anthony’s Fish Grotto

Shrimp, Orzo & Arugula Salad (Lunch) at Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Appetizer: Whole Wheat Empanadas at Sergio’s