I generally do not dine out, if I can avoid it, but sometimes I must make compromises.
So here are a few of the tricks I use.
So here are a few of the tricks I use.
WHERE TO EAT OUT
When someone wants to get together for a meal, recommend a restaurant where you know they serve animal protein and vegetables. The best places are usually in Greek restaurants where they serve lamb. You will find that there are some restaurants that are easier than others to stay healthy. Do a Google search for “healthy restaurants” in your area. A few other keywords to add to your restaurant search are “farm to table”, “healthy food”, “organic”.
It's important to look for a quiet, pleasant eating environment for best digestion. You don't want to eat in an environment where there are too many people and too much noise. If a restaurant has an outside patio, this can be better if the temperature is comfortable and the environment is quiet and peaceful.
Buffets style of restaurants are great because you can see what you will eat but try to use these type of restaurants for lunch. Any food that has been sitting out for hours, it is more likely contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms.
Thai restaurants are generally good but make sure to find one that is authentic, otherwise, many thai restaurants use too much sugar in their cooking. What I like about Thai restaurants is they serve tons of cooked vegetables and usually are light on sauce.
WHAT TO ORDER IN RESTAURANTS
There are two things to consider when ordering in a restaurant. Be polite and make special requests.
Most restaurants in the US and Canada are used to substitutions and menu changes. However if you decide to dine in a fine restaurant, you may find chefs insulted to alter their creation that took them months if not years to create. Under these circumstances, you’ll have to use your better judgement to get what you need. More people now a days, have some kind of allergies, so restaurants are getting used to special requests.
Steamed, roasted, stir-fried or baked vegetables can be excellent to order in a quality restaurant. I usually ask for a double portion of cooked vegetables.
Meat, with its high sulfur content, high zinc level and many other nutrients, is an important food in a polluted world. Not all meat is good, but good meat can be an excellent food to eat out. Here are tips, however, about ordering meats and poultry in restaurants.
Avoid meatloaf, sausage or processed meats like bologne, salami, etc. It is impossible to know what is in processed meats, and most sausage uses pig intestines for the casing.
I would avoid turkey. It is rarely fresh, so avoid most turkey sandwiches, turkey salad or other turkey dishes unless it is fresh turkey. Most turkey in restaurants comes off a turkey roll that has added chemicals, glues and more.
Chicken is better. Especially good is a half-chicken, chicken thighs or legs, or even chicken wings, but make sure it's organic.
Lamb is often fresh and a very good food to order at most restaurants.
If you want beef, perhaps order a steak as this cannot be faked. Just make sure it is cooked well enough. Natural beef, lamb and chicken are best, but rarely available in restaurants.
If you must order fish for some reason, only order very small fish to avoid mercury problems, and make sure it is cooked enough to kill parasites in many fish. Strictly avoid all shellfish such as shrimp, oysters and others, unfortunately, as they are much too high in toxic metals.
Drinking Water and other beverages
If you are health-conscious, avoid tap water. Bring your own spring water to the restaurant if they allow it. Otherwise, you can order spring water at many restaurants. It is worth the cost compared to some tap water.
Tea. Tea is almost universally made with tap water, so you are getting flavored tap water, not the most healthful product. Tea made with filtered water may be better, but who knows when the filter was changed. A dirty filter is worse than none. Bottled tea may be better, as this is often made with filtered water. However, most tea is rather junky and made with tap water and best avoided. This goes for coffee and soda pop as well.
The best idea is to order sparkling natural mineral water. Most restaurants carry it.
TAKE AWAY THE BREAD AND THE ICE WATER
When you sit down, ask that the waiter take away the bread that is often left on the table. Also, ask for water without ice, as it is easier on digestion. Preferably, bring your own spring water, and preferably do not drink much with meals.
DON’T ASK ABOUT DESSERTS. EAT MORE OF THE MEAL INSTEAD
Plan to eat more of the meal and not hold back so you can have that big piece of chocolate cake.
KEEP MEALS SIMPLE
Restaurants often want to tickle the palette, so they serve complex, multi-course meals with poor food combinations, along with too much food. This is very hard on the digestion. Attempt to limit your meals to two or perhaps three foods, at the most, for best digestion.
DON'T STRESS OUT
The last and most important rule to staying healthy when eating out is – don’t stress out about it.
PLANNING IS KEY. Enjoy yourself and enjoy the food that is prepared differently. If you are specific and ask for what you want, you should find dining out lots of fun.
If you stay within your own boundaries and do not allow yourself to get off track, you will be proud of yourself especially the next day.
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