With more restaurants than you can shake a stick (-y toffee pudding) at in Abu Dhabi, it’s no surprise that families are choosing to eat out more than ever before. And whilst dining out at your favourite restaurant is without question a fun experience, too much of it can have a negative impact on your family’s health. Aside from the bigger portions, restaurant meals are often higher in calories, fat, sugar, and salt compared to home-cooked food. But don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you that you need to stop eating out.
Life is all about balance, so here are some tips to help you make healthy choices and have fun whilst dining out:
Start off healthy
Order vegetable sticks whilst you’re waiting for your food- kids more likely to eat them when they’re hungry and all the vitamins and nutrients they contain. Plus, it should keep them fuller for longer meaning no sugary dessert!
Salads aren't always the healthiest option
Add in a dressing, croutons, and cheese, and suddenly there are a lot more calories in your innocent salad than you intended. Choose salads that are high in protein (chicken, salmon, egg) to keep you feeling fuller for longer, and ask for the dressing on the side.
Be mindful of sugary drinks
Juices, soft drinks, and mocktails are often high in calories that you might not think about and have very little nutritional value. Instead, stick to still or sparkling water with fresh lemon, lime, or cucumber. For kids Stick to water or low-fat milk to help teeth and bone development, as well as reduce sugar and calorie intake.
Switch out your unhealthy sides
Ask for grilled or steamed vegetables instead of french-fries, or a leafy green salad instead of pasta for an overall healthier meal.
Take leftovers home
Avoid forcing kids to finish their food. If you think they have eaten enough, then don’t encourage them to over-eat. And once you are full, stop eating. If there’s still food on your plate, ask to take the leftovers home and have them for lunch the next day. It is good for your health, the environment, and your wallet.
Sweet Treats
Promises of sweets or dessert can make children overeat, so instead reward good behaviour around the table with an activity together when you get home.
But, every now and then a dessert is ok, restrict those times to special occasions. For a healthier dessert option, fruit is always a good idea as a sweet and healthy snack.
Don’t be afraid to say no to your children when they ask for food or drinks that you know are bad for them.
If you’re wondering if any of this will actually make a difference…
If you eat out twice a week every week, by the end of the year you will have consumed 28,000 kcal in bread before your meal. That’s enough calories for a fully-grown adult for 14 days. And, if your child drinks a regular soft drink just twice a week, by the end of the year they will have consumed around 3,100g of sugar- that’s equivalent to roughly 1500 sugar cubes.
