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Is Eating Out Healthy?

Aug 7th 2018 - J. Vigotsky Blog, 

Is Eating Out Healthy?

Eating out at restaurants has been heavily criticized in recent years. Many people like to bash the practice, arguing that dining at home is far healthier. While some restaurant dishes are certainly less healthy than others, eating out isn’t just about the food. There are other health benefits to eating at restaurants that are often overlooked. So when it comes to answering the question of “Is eating out healthy,” be sure to keep these facts in mind:

Is Eating Out Healthy

Experts warn that eating out regularly can have negative effects on our health.

They point out that the nutritional quality of meals in full-service restaurants is only at the 50% level, whereas fast food meals are at the 70% level.

According to nutritionists, you can curb your unhealthy restaurant habits by planning ahead and reserving some of your meals for lunch the next day.

How Can Eating Out Be Healthy?

Choose Fats That Are Good for You

When you swap out saturated fats for monounsaturated fats, your bad LDL cholesterol goes down and your good HDL cholesterol stays the same. Canola oil, olive oil, olives, avocados, nuts, and nut butter are all good sources.

Reduce cholesterol with the aid of polyunsaturated fats. Can be found in foods including almonds, sunflower seeds, and fatty fish.

You can plan ahead for healthy eating by looking at the restaurant's menu online if you know you'll be dining there.
Don't go out to eat if you're already too hungry. Just before you leave, have a small, healthy snack like some carrots or half of an apple.

Don't be shy about requesting healthier preparation methods like baking or steaming when placing your order. Sauces can be served on the side if requested.

How to Plan Eating Out

  • Think ahead. Decide where you want to dine and what you want to eat before you leave the house. If you know ahead of time what you want to order, it will be a lot simpler to make nutritious selections.
  • Don't show up to the restaurant ravenous. When you're starving, it's more difficult to make good decisions about what to eat.
  • Be mindful of what you're eating. Many restaurant dishes are large enough to share between three persons. If you tend to overeat, try ordering a smaller dinner, eating with a friend, or putting some of your food in the fridge to eat later.
  • Select dishes that boast healthy ingredients like produce and grain. Meals at restaurants typically lack key nutrients. You may make a healthy supper by including these items.
  • When you're on the road, you can't always pack your own meals. Packable snacks like dried fruit, crackers, and nuts will come in handy.
  • Dehydration is common during flights, therefore it's important to stay hydrated. Don't overdo it on the booze, too; it has a dehydrating effect on the body.

There’s a Social Aspect to Eating Out

social aspect to eating out

Eating out encourages socialization in a way that dining in does not. And socializing is one the best ways to improve to overall health. It’s easy to think that dining home at home around a table encourages the same type of socializing. But there are many more distractions at home. And it’s tough to keep everyone seated and engaged while at home compared to when out at a restaurant. If you don’t have plans to dine with anyone, you can always stop by a restaurant and see if your favorite server is working.

Trying New Things Helps You Grow as a Person

There’s nothing wrong with a relaxing night at home. But too many of these nights can lead to stagnation. A delicious meal out at a new restaurant can help prevent that. By putting yourself in a new situation, you leave your comfort zone and challenge yourself. It even gives you an opportunity to discover new foods that you otherwise would not have known about. Trying different types of cuisines that you aren’t familiar with only adds to the adventure.

Walking To and From Restaurants Provides Exercise

walking to and from restaurants exercise

If you’re eating at home, you likely aren’t going to get much exercise. Carrying plates and silverware from the kitchen to the dining room might be a hassle, but it’s certainly not a workout. But when going out to eat at a restaurant, you’re much more likely to walk off those calories. Whether you’re walking around a city, through the mall, or just from a far spot in the parking lot, going to a restaurant should net you at least a little bit of exercise.

Outdoor Eating Areas Have Fresh Air

outdoor eating areas have fresh air

There are multiple health benefits associated with fresh air. These include improving your immune system, heart health, and brain health. Many homes don’t have decks or patios, so going to restaurants with outdoor seating is a perfect way to spend time eating outside in the fresh air. And for double the benefits, try to find an outdoor eating area that's close to nature.