The good thing about clean eating is that it isn’t difficult to dine out and still keep it clean. It is very simple to do, no matter what restaurant you go to if you understand the basic clean eating rules. Here are some tips to follow when you want to eat out and stick to your clean eating lifestyle.
MAKE YOUR CHOICES SIMPLE
When you are eating out, don’t make it complicated and choose one of the newest skillet meals or something that requires analyzing every single piece of the meal puzzle. Instead, just go simple, especially when you are new to the clean eating diet. Keep it from being overwhelming, simply ordering from the healthy part of the menu, like getting grilled chicken with steamed vegetables, the pan-seared salmon with brown rice, or just a salad. These are simple, easy meals you know most likely include ingredients you can have while on the clean eating diet.
WHEN IN DOUBT, CHOOSE A SALAD
There are going to be times when you just can’t decide, based on the type of restaurant it is. In this case, just try to order a salad with steak, seafood, or grilled chicken. Don’t use the dressing and get cheese on the side, then ask for oil and vinegar instead of dressing. Salads are usually my go-to!! Some restaurants have pretty amazing salads to choose from, Boston Pizza for example, have a delicious goat cheese, beet and pineapple salad as well as a yummy chicken, apple, pecan, both are scrumptious!
LOOK FOR STEAK OR SEAFOOD AT RESTURAUNTS
As far as the type of restaurant goes, steak and seafood should be at the top of your list. While it is true you can find clean eating-approved meals just about anywhere; it is simpler when you don’t need to do a lot of substitutions or change half of what the meal is supposed to be. Going to a steak and/or seafood restaurant makes it easy to order. Steak restaurants already have steak as the main component for most of their dishes, and it is probably high-quality steak as opposed to ordering steak from a café or diner. With seafood restaurants, go for anything grilled, or that is not breaded and fried, and you should be okay.
BE SMART ABOUT FAST FOOD
Occasionally, you might need to choose food from a fast food restaurant. This situation is definitely not ideal, but it also doesn’t have to make or break the diet. Try to get a side salad if you can, but think about the type of dressing you choose or use no dressing at all. With other menu items, do away with the bun or bread, and try to get a grilled chicken sandwich ‘protein style’. Most fast food restaurants will give you the grilled chicken sandwich with all the veggies, but no bun. Many of them will wrap it in a big lettuce leaf.
DON'T STRESS
Just keep it simple, don't overthink it and stress yourself out, if you do, regardless of what you order, you won't enjoy it. I have honestly not been to a restaurant that I can't find a better option. I also do not like to feel stuffed, bloated and sluggish after my meals, so I am very conscious of this when making my choices.
These simple tips can help you stay on track and enjoy your new way of eating. Be mindful of your choices and remember your reasons why you decided jump on the clean eating wagon.
If you are looking to lean more about clean eating and how to make this transition, please reach out to me, I'd love to chat further and offer you a free discovery call. Shoot me an email at wellness@helenpaquette.com
