Eating your lunch or evening meal out, or ordering it in, can mean it gives you an enjoyable break from cooking. There are ways that you can continue to enjoy this, while making healthier choices.
When looking at a menu, it can be hard to know what the healthy options are. Here are some helpful tips:
- options that are grilled, boiled, baked, roasted or steamed tend to be lower in fat than foods that have been fried
- options which are breaded instead of battered, tend to contain less fat
- thicker-cut chips absorb less fat than thinner ones, and if possible, try swapping chips for rice, boiled potatoes or salad
- pulses like beans, lentils or chickpeas are nutritious, low-fat options in place of meat
- lean meats like turkey and chicken, or fish, are healthier choices for main meals than red or processed meats like pepperoni or bacon
- wholegrain versions of bread, rice and pasta are higher in fibre than white
- pizzas with thinner bases usually contain less fat than thicker crusts or cheese-stuffed options
- consider asking for sandwiches to be made without butter or spread
Portion sizes when eating out may be bigger than what you would prepare at home. You could ask for a half portion, suggest sharing with others, or choose a starter as a main if the portion sizes are large.