Avoid the Dangers of Eating Out

How to eat out healthily

Avoid the dangers of eating out. Are you worried that eating out might cause damage to your diet plan or even worse damage your health!

There are two main areas of danger. The food you eat and the environment your meal is created in. This short guide will help you make healthier choices of food and be able spot 'restaurant nightmares' i.e. potential food poisoning. Take heed and avoid the dangers of eating out. If you want a comprehensive guide to eating well and staying healthy take a look at These easy veggie meal plans.

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Healthier choices:

Dining out means you could loose control over the amount of salt, harmful fat and calories you eat, you could end up eating far more than your home prepared food. Portions are often larger so resist the temptation to clear the plate. When studying the menu try to go for dishes that are steamed, grilled, boiled, poached or stir-fried. Cut down on battered dishes like samosas, doughnuts scampi, sweet and sour food if fried. Choose chicken, lean beef or ham, fish and prawns and beans and lentils. Opt for wholemeal or seedy breads fruit and salads. Avoid pies, pate, sausages and bacon and pastries. Discount any sugar fods like cakes, puddings, ice cream. Choose sauces based on tomatoes, vegetables in preference to cream or cheese. Easy Veggie Meal Plans can help you develop your list of foods.

Curries that are dry are ok but avoid curries based on coconut milk. Salads and vegetables, yes, but avoid the oil, mayo and butter dressings. Go for boiled rice or potatoes instead of chips, fried rice or cream based baked potato dishes.

If it does not say the menu how a dish is cooked, ask.

Avoid eating too much and try to share starters and sweets with friends - more fun! You might feel hungry when you first sit down to order but remember it is easy to order far more than you need and you could end up just eating to clear the table. Follow the simple points below to aviod the dangers of eating out.

Hygiene issues:

Maintain a viglence. Food poisoning is very unpleasant and can even lead to death so keep these tips in mind.

1. Look out for articles in your local news of places that have been in trouble for poor hygiene and make a note.

2. If you can see dirty public areas just think what the back room area are going to be like!

3. Are the staff clean and smart - if not they are likely to carrying germs and cross infecting...

4. Do you see overflowing bins inside or out round the back - if so these are breeding grounds and signs of neglect.

5. Is the cuttlery and crockery clean and spotless, are there hairs or crumbs/stains on the table?

Look for the good signs:

1. Hot steaming food if it is a hot dish or ice cold if it is a cold dish.

2. Clean smart attentative staff.

3. Food hygiene certificates or diplomas hung in prominate places.

Just by following these simple guidelines you will be able eat out healthily.

 See also our 8 Top Tips for Eating Well