If you’ve made the decision to embark on the path to a healthier lifestyle, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is learning to eat healthy when dining out. Eating out at a restaurant shouldn’t spell disaster for your healthy diet, however. By following the healthy eating tips below from Pita Jungle, you can make better choices when dining out to keep you on the path to a healthier, happier you.
 

Do Some Research Ahead of Time

If the restaurant you’re going to has a website, log on and search for a nutrition chart. Many eateries these days offer charts listing the calorie count, fat content, and other nutrition information about their menu items. Researching the healthiest dishes ahead of time is a valuable tool for sticking to a healthy diet while dining out.
 

Learn to Recognize Healthy Food Choices

This is one tip that will require some practice. In fact, one of the most difficult parts of learning to eat healthy is educating yourself on how to recognize healthy food choices when you see them. As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to choose meals containing healthy proteins like lean meats, beans or lentils; lots of fruits and vegetables; healthy fats such as olive oil; and low-fat dairy products. If you’re given the option, always choose whole grain starches, such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta or quinoa, over their less healthy, refined- or enriched-grain counterparts.
 

Healthy Ordering

Even if you’ve chosen the healthiest option on the menu, you still have to be on the lookout for potential fat- and calorie-laden ingredients. Is your vegetable sauteed in butter? Ask to have it steamed instead. Is your meal prepared using unhealthy saturated or trans-fats? Ask for a preparation using olive oil instead. Order sauces and dressings on the side, so you can control the amount you are consuming. Engaging in healthy ordering practices such as these can go a long way to helping you stick to a healthy diet.

Learning to eat healthy when dining out is easy when you follow the above tips – and when you choose to dine at Pita Jungle. Everything on our menu is prepared to help our customers eat better and lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Stop by one of Pita Jungle’s many convenient locations in Arizona to discover “The Art of Eating Healthy®” today!