Take C.H.A.R.G.E when eating out

When on the go or eating out with family or friends, it can be hard to make healthy choices. There are so many temptations and not-so-healthy foods on the menu!

To help, we came up with the acronym C.H.A.R.G.E. to make it easier for you to make healthier choices and stay on track when you are out to eat.

C: Check Online

Before you pull into the parking lot of your favorite restaurant, take a quick minute to check their website for nutrition information. With just a few clicks, you can see what menu items are the healthiest choices and make an informed decision about what to order.

H: Half Your Meal

Before you even take a bite of your meal, ask the server for a to-go box and split your meal in half. Eat one half and take the other half home.

Most of us have been there before — we’re out at a restaurant, we ordered too much food, and we didn’t even realize it until it was too late. Overeating can leave us feeling sluggish and can expand our waistlines, but it’s not always easy to know when to stop. That’s where the “half your meal” rule comes in. This simple trick can help you control your portion sizes, and limit your calorie intake — all without feeling deprived. So next time you’re out to eat, remember the “half your meal” rule and enjoy your food guilt-free!

A: Alter Dressings & Toppings

Instead of opting for the usual ranch or bacon, try something different like balsamic vinegar or avocado.

One common mistake that can make it harder to lose weight is using unhealthy dressings and toppings on salads and other meals. Ranch dressing, for example, is high in calories and fat, while balsamic vinegar is a much healthier option. Similarly, avocado is a much better choice than bacon when it comes to topping a salad.

These simple changes may seem small, but they can make it easier to lose weight and get closer to your goals. So don’t be afraid to experiment with your food choices. Who knows, you may just find that you prefer the healthier option!

R: Replace Unhealthy Sides with Healthy Sides

Instead of French Fries, Loaded Baked Potatoes, or onion rings, replace them with healthy sides. A side of steamed or roasted veggies, mixed greens, or a small salad are all great options.

When you’re trying to eat healthy, it’s important to pay attention to not just the main course, but also the sides. A lot of times, restaurants will offer unhealthy sides as the default option. Fries, onion rings, and loaded baked potatoes are all examples of calorie-dense sides that can quickly sabotage your diet.

Fortunately, most restaurants will also offer healthier alternatives. This swap will help you cut back on calories and unhealthy fats, and boost your intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s a great way to add more variety to your diet.

G: Get Dressings & Condiments on the Side

This is a great way to control how much dressing, condiments, or sauce goes on your meal.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to eat an entire container of salad dressing or dip? It’s because we tend to mindlessly pour or spoon it on without even thinking about it. And before we know it, our meal is loaded with extra calories, fat, and sugar.

A simple way to prevent this is to ask for dressings and condiments on the side. That way, you can control how much you use and avoid eating too much. Plus, it’ll force you to slow down and savor your food more.

E: Make Exchanges NOT Excuses

If you get dessert exchange cake and ice cream for fruit or sorbet.

By making this simple swap, you can still enjoy a delicious dessert while sticking to your healthy eating plan.

Taking C.H.A.R.G.E!

When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, one of the most important things you can do is make smart choices when it comes to food. And while it’s totally fine to enjoy the occasional treat, it’s important to be mindful of the choices you make on a day-to-day basis.

If you find yourself struggling to make healthy choices when eating out, use this handy acronym to help guide you. C.H.A.R.G.E. will help you make better decisions without feeling deprived or restricted. So the next time you’re at a restaurant, remember these tips and enjoy your meal guilt-free!