Top tips for eating and drinking out

Top tips for eating and drinking out
A healthy, balanced life includes social, cultural and even religious occasions where eating and drinking may feature. You may have some success avoiding situations where you could be tempted to indulge, but this may not be sustainable in the long-term. It is really important to consider how to maintain your lifestyle choices in these situations.

Take a moment to reflect on what you enjoy about eating and drinking in social settings and what the drawbacks are. Have a think about the questions below.

I enjoy eating and drinking out because…

The drawbacks of eating and drinking out are…

Here are some tips:

• Have two courses instead of three
• Skip the bread basket
• Choose tomato or broth-based sauces and soups instead of creamy varieties
• Order poached or grilled dishes instead of fried
• Choose vegetables or salad instead of chips or rice
• Share high energy or large dishes with someone else
• Choose two starters instead of a starter and a main
• Drink water instead of juice, smoothies, lassi, ayran shakes or fizzy drinks
• Swap pints with half pints or alternate with soda water
• Choose single shots of spirit with sugar-free or diet mixers
• Go for small glasses of wine or order a small carafe instead of a bottle
• Prepare by increasing your activity levels and/or having smaller or lighter meals in the days leading up to/following your event
• Plan for the days following your event to ensure you get back on track
• One meal doesn’t ruin a healthy lifestyle – remember it’s about what you do most often and consistently