Restaurant Eats, 3 Tips
Choosing to include more plants in your menu offers rich benefits; lowered cholesterol, decreased blood pressure and greater levels of nutrients in your diet, just to name a few. But making this decision can also come with a struggle to find suitable foods when dining out with friends and family. Although more plant-rich restaurants are popping up in some neighborhoods, not every area is on the forefront for cuisine. It’s more likely that chain restaurants are available with a few local establishments sprinkled into the mix.
Taking a few minutes to peruse restaurant menus online, before a meal out on the town, is always helpful. This lowers the stress of making a decision on the spot or pressure to eat at a restaurant that might not fit your needs. But what do you do when previewing menus isn’t available?
Try these three simple tips to increase your veggie load while you’re on the go!
Salad specialties. Ordering a salad as your main dish can prove to be a good way to eat your vegetables at any restaurant. Unfortunately, not all salads are created equal and can leave you dissatisfied. After all, a restaurant might be famous for its desserts, pizza or free rolls, but not usually its delicious salads, right? Choosing a restaurant that offers a salad bar allows you to create your own unique concoction. And when it’s unlimited it’s even better! Another option is to encourage friends or family to frequent a place that specializes in salads. They are available in most locations and they offer varieties more exciting than your average salad. Need a few recommendations? Sweet Tomatoes, Aloha Salads (Hawaii only!), Salad and Go, Sweet Greens or Saladworks might offer a good change of pace.
Swap the fried side. Even if you aren’t fully on the plant eating bandwagon, choosing vegetables as a side dish is a good start. If you are more likely to order a burger or wrap, it will usually arrive to the table accompanied by some sort of fried potato. While potatoes ARE a plant, they aren’t one of the most nutritious after they are deep fried. Make a swap by asking for a side salad or another steamed vegetable instead of potato chips or French fries. Your body will feel much less sluggish as your food digests and you’ll be proud of your decision to bump up your nutrition.
Create-a-meal. The most thrilling way to indulge in a meal that is full of plants is to create your own! Combine side dishes to create your own meal, even when you’re at a traditional restaurant. Most places offer steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts which pair well with a side of mashed potatoes. Beans, rice and guacamole can create a unique Mexican-style plate. Adding roasted vegetables to a plain salad is also another inventive option if the menu allows. Just get creative and choose a few smaller plates to join into a one-of-a-kind nutritious dinner.
By making a conscious effort to include vegetables, even in your restaurant meals, you might find a combination that becomes a new favorite. Odds are that you’ll encourage those around you to make better choices to add vegetables into their meals as well. When eating specialty salads, swapping out fried sides or choosing to create your own mini plate, you’ll be taking steps into a place of health that your body has yet to know.
For a few apps to help you choose healthier options when eating out, visit our Aspen Wellness Recommendations.