More and more restaurants are offering simple, delicious food made with quality ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian restaurants are a good option, but there are others without a "healthy" label where, even if the entire menu isn't healthy, you can still order a healthy meal.
When I go out for lunch and dinner, I try to go to places where I know I'll have plenty of options to choose from, but when you go out with friends or family who don't share your lifestyle, choosing where to go isn't always possible.
These are the guidelines I follow to maintain my lifestyle, without giving up having a good time with friends:
No to junk food: I never go to junk food restaurants. It's been decades since I last set foot in one, and I don't think that's going to change. I think my friends and family know this; if someone suggested going to a restaurant like that, I'd suggest something else, or I'd just have water.
Know the menu : Before going to a restaurant I'm not familiar with, I check the menu online to see what options are available. If I feel it's necessary, I call the restaurant a few days in advance to make sure the options I'm considering are gluten-free (because I need them). Knowing the menu and calling ahead if needed can help you avoid stress before the meal and make ordering quicker and easier.
Natural selection: I'm increasingly seeing the option of replacing pasta with zucchini spaghetti, and it's an option I love; not only are they delicious, but they're also nutritious.
In most restaurants there is an option to order a salad or at least some sauteed vegetables; if no other dish catches my eye, I opt for a salad dressed with oil and salt (without vinegar and without sauces whose ingredients I don't know).
Preparation: Whether we're talking about meat, fish, tofu, or vegetables, the way a dish is prepared plays a big role in determining whether it's healthy or not. I always try to find dishes that aren't fried or have complicated sauces. I like steamed, stir-fried, and baked food, although obviously I do vary things sometimes.
No extras: I generally prefer to eat with just water, unless I'm in a very special place where I know they have quality bread. In that case, I ask them not to bring me bread—even if they have gluten-free options—since in most cases it's an ultra-processed product that I prefer not to eat. The same could be said of the white bread in many restaurants.
Dessert: I like desserts, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't order them, especially when I unexpectedly find a flourless chocolate cake. What I do usually think about before deciding what to order is whether it's a dessert I'll actually enjoy. I generally like homemade chocolate or fruit tarts. I almost never order ice cream or dairy desserts.
This flourless chocolate cake was delicious. Was it healthy? No, it's a sweet treat, but it was "homemade," and I really enjoyed it with friends.
After that: By the way, sometimes even with the best intentions, I end up eating something that's too heavy or doesn't agree with me. For those occasions, I take Black Radish and Artichoke , a digestive aid that makes me feel great when I get home, and Digestive Enzymes the next day. If I feel unwell—like something hasn't agreed with me—I make sure I have Umebo on hand.
How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle when you go out to dinner?
I'd love to learn your tricks.