We are those boring parents who just don’t get out much now that we have a little one to tow around with us.  I find it so much easier to eat at home, and it is cheaper and healthier.  We do occasionally go eat at restaurants, but it is so seldom that I don’t worry about eating healthy.  It usually is a splurge for me!  In other chapters of our lives, this has not always been the case, and I would be more health conscious of what I would order.  Hopefully your social life hasn’t been dampened as much as mine by your little one.  For those of you who eat at restaurants, here are some guidelines for eating healthy while dining out.  Courtesy of ChooseMyPlate.Gov.

• As a beverage choice, ask for water or order fat-free or low-fat milk, unsweetened tea, or other drinks without added sugars.
• Ask for whole-wheat bread for sandwiches.
• In a restaurant, start your meal with a salad packed with veggies, to help control hunger and feel satisfied sooner.
• Ask for salad dressing to be served on the side. Then use only as much as you want.
• Choose main dishes that include vegetables, such as stir fries, kebobs, or pasta with a tomato sauce.
• Order steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead of those that are fried or sautéed.
• Choose a “small” or “medium” portion. This includes main dishes, side dishes, and beverages.
• Order an item from the menu instead of heading for the “all-you-can-eat” buffet.
• Order foods that do not have creamy sauces or gravies.
• Add little or no butter to your food.
• Choose fruits for dessert most often.
• If main portions at a restaurant are larger than you want, try one of these strategies to keep from overeating:
  • Order an appetizer-sized portion or a side dish instead of an entrée.
  • Share a main dish with a friend.
  • If you can chill the extra food right away, take leftovers home in a “doggy bag.”
  • When your food is delivered, set aside or pack half of it to go immediately.
  • Resign from the “clean your plate club” – when you’ve eaten enough, leave the rest.

On long commutes or shopping trips, pack some fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, low-fat string cheese sticks, or a handful of unsalted nuts to help you avoid stopping for sweet or fatty snacks.

I hope this helps all you social parents out there to eat healthy while you are dining out.   Writing this post has inspired me to have a date night tonight and venture out of the house!