How to eat in a restaurant if you are losing weight?

Anyone who follows certain restrictions in their diet will agree that going to a restaurant is stressful. And it’s not even a matter of abundance of choice of dishes, but a complete lack of understanding of what to do with them and whether to eat them.

There is a widespread opinion that the ideal dishes for any diet are meat or fish, as well as salads. Of course, it’s hard to argue with that. But what if you can still eat dessert and pasta sometimes while dieting? The main thing is to know what components are included in their composition.

We decided to save everyone who is on a diet and therefore misses the launches of new restaurants. Together with nutritionist and food geneticist Ksenia Glinkina, we understand what you can and cannot order in a restaurant if you want to lose weight.

Can you really eat salad?

Not everyone. In general, you should stay away from starchy vegetables in salads. For example, potatoes will not help you lose weight. Even though it is a vegetable. It is better to give preference to greens and cruciferous vegetables. You can also use sweet potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini and carrots. Raw vegetables are especially good, but without heat treatment they are suitable only for those who have no problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Arugula accelerates bile flow and improves digestion; It is especially worth examining closely. Spices such as ginger, cinnamon and black pepper in salads will also help you lose weight.

Mayonnaise should be avoided as a salad dressing. For example, it is better to season it with olive oil and lemon juice or choose sauces such as tahini made from sesame seeds.

Should you give up soup?

Not at all, but do not forget that the most “dangerous” soup for those who want to lose weight is cheese. And some of the best options are fish soup and cabbage soup. If you like cream soup, forget the creamy ones. A healthy alternative is broccoli soup.

Meat or fish: what to choose for dinner?

If you are currently on a diet, it is better to give preference to fish, including fatty varieties. It contains omega-3 and other substances beneficial to vascular and brain health. And fish in general is quite easily digestible for dinner, unlike skirt steaks.

Is it possible to eat pasta?

Of course, you should forget about carbonara during the diet, but do not forget about funchose. Just in case, check if the restaurant offers gluten-free pasta made from protein-rich flour. For example, from chickpeas or peas. This is an ideal option if you do not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract and reactions to this type of flour. And yes, remember that it is preferable to consume pasta in the first half of the day, as it is a processed product.

What to eat for dessert?

For dessert, you can eat chia pudding or sugar-free dark chocolate. But if you don’t want anything sweet, a handful of fruit always helps.

Which positions are better to avoid altogether?

From all fast food, as well as french fries and refined carbohydrates. They do not contain anything useful, but they contain a lot of trans fats that damage blood vessels.

5 life tips from a nutritionist

1. Do not exclude fats. Most often, excess weight is caused by excess carbohydrates rather than fats.

2. You can choose lightly salted salmon as an appetizer. Or nuts such as pine or walnuts.

3. Choose unsweetened herbal tea, syrup, milk, fruit and fruit fillings as beverages. Moreover, from smoothies, juices, fresh juices, etc. It’s worth giving up.

4. If it is difficult to choose, order a protein-rich dish – fish or meat with vegetables. Bowls or poke may be a good option. If possible, choose quinoa instead of white rice in these bowls.

5. If in doubt about the ingredients of the sauce, ask for olive oil separately instead.