Whether it's a Friday night family dinner, a hectic schedule, a movie night, or simply a desire for a cooking break, dining out or ordering takeout can be a delightful part of your balanced lifestyle.
But fear not, indulging doesn't have to mean unhealthy choices or overeating. With some savvy ordering strategies and careful selection, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising your health goals.
That's where we come in! Our expert tips will guide you through the restaurant menu maze and steer you toward the perfect options for you and your loved ones. Let's make dining out a delicious and guilt-free experience!
6 Tips to Navigate a Restaurant Menu
Eating out can be fun or a disaster, depending on what you order and how. The following tips will help you navigate the restaurant or takeaway menu and still stay on track with your health goals.
Research the Menu Beforehand
After arriving at the restaurant, you may feel starved and ready to feast. But rushing into ordering when you're starving? That could lead to regrets later on.
Luckily, there's a simple solution: do a little homework before you arrive. Many restaurants nowadays have their menus posted online, allowing you to plan your meal in advance. By taking a peek beforehand, you can explore your options and make smart choices when you sit down to order.
By arming yourself with knowledge ahead of time, you'll be better prepared to order a meal that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds. So, the next time you're dining out, take a moment to browse the menu online – it'll make your dining experience much more enjoyable.
Don't Forget to Read the Description
A menu with an enticing title can grab your attention faster. However, it would help if you never fell for the name of a food item.
For example, Crispy Crumbed Chicken & Bacon Salad may sound tempting, but look at its ingredients and preparation method. Are the chicken and bacon deep-fried or baked? Does the salad dressing contain high calories? Are you allergic to any items in that dish?
Most restaurants have a description of the food on the menu. Read the description carefully to learn about the ingredients and preparation methods for that particular dish. This will help you decide whether to order it.
Learn the Jargon
While you're reading the description, make sure you understand its meaning. In the example above, crispy chicken is another way of saying the chicken is crumbed and deep-fried.
Here are some of the commonly used words in the menu and their meanings that you need to know:
Au gratin, alfredo, beurre blanc, bearnaise, bechamel, creamed, hollandaise and veloue - a dish typically made with butter, milk, cream, or cheese.
Breaded, battered, or crispy - is another meaning for fried.
Baked, poached, grilled, steamed, broiled, and lightly sauteed foods are lower in calories and fat because they are cooked with less or no oil or butter.
Dare to Try Something New
Exploring new foods, flavours, and cultures through dining out or ordering takeaways is a wonderful adventure. Challenge yourself to try something exotic from the menu and ask the wait staff what the taste is like.
Additionally, consider ordering dishes you wouldn't typically prepare at home. Dining out inspires your taste buds, sparks creativity, and offers fresh ideas for your culinary skills. Let each restaurant experience ignite your passion for cooking and broaden your culinary horizons.
Ask Question Whenever Needed
If you're unsure about a menu item or how it's prepared, don't hesitate to ask the wait staff for assistance. They're there to help and can provide tasty, healthy recommendations.
Additionally, feel free to inquire about alternatives. Can the dish be grilled instead of fried? Is it possible to swap fries for a salad? If the sandwich is served on white bread, can it be substituted with whole wheat? Feel free to customise your order to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Watch Your Drinks
Be mindful of your beverage choices. Soft drinks, sweetened iced tea, lemonade, and sugary alcoholic beverages can pack a hefty calorie punch, sometimes surpassing the calories in your meal.
Furthermore, alcohol can trigger hunger cues, potentially leading to overeating. Opt for hydrating options such as water, unsweetened tea, or seltzer to quench your thirst without adding unnecessary calories to your diet.
Also, steer clear of sugary speciality bar drinks, as they're loaded with empty calories and offer little to no nutritional value. Instead, consider healthier alternatives such as vodka mixed with soda water, a hint of cranberry, triple sec, and lime, or savour a glass of red wine. Not only are these options delicious, but they also contain fewer calories, allowing you to enjoy your drink without the guilt.
Conclusion
When there are many dining options, it is important to master the art of navigating a restaurant menu to truly enhance your dining experience. You can always add a delightful twist to your routine by dining out or ordering takeout, whether it's a family dinner, a busy evening, or you are simply craving something different.
Our expert tips will empower you to confidently approach the menu, making informed choices that align with your health goals. From pre-researching the menu to trying something new, each step enriches your culinary journey and expands your palate.
Don't forget to be mindful of your beverage choices, selecting hydrating options that complement your meal. Following these tips, you can savour every bite with assurance and maximise your dining experience.
No matter what you want to eat, you can always opt for a convenient food ordering platform like ChefOnline or use their app to order your favourite dish.
