Skip to main content
Close Close

Congratulations
You're on the list.

Make sure to check your spam folder so that our emails are always delivered into your inbox.
xo, Kourt
Give your inbox
and your life

the Poosh it needs.
By clicking SIGN UP, you agree to receive emails from Poosh and agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Free Shipping on All Domestic Orders.
  • HEALTH + WELLNESS
  • LIFE + STYLE
  • HOME + ENTERTAINING
  • KMK
Poosh
  • Poosh Your Wellness
  • instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube
  • Shop
  • search
  • search
  • body
  • diy
  • fitness
  • Giving Back
  • health
  • mind
  • Relationships
  • Sexual Wellness
  • soul
WTF Is Sea Moss Gel? 
WTF Is Sea Moss Gel? 
The Poosh Guide to Ear Seeds
The Poosh Guide to Ear Seeds
Quick and Easy Workouts You Can Do While Traveling
Quick and Easy Workouts You Can Do While Traveling
Should You Microdose with Your Partner to Increase Intimacy? 
Should You Microdose with Your Partner to Increase Intimacy? 
Why Do We Think Some People Smell So Good?
Why Do We Think Some People Smell So Good?
How to Recreate Khloé’s Monday-Friday Workout Routine at Home
How to Recreate Khloé’s Monday-Friday Workout Routine at Home
  • Adulting
  • beauty
  • guides
  • Hacks
  • style
  • travel
Clean(ish) SPFs That Are Actually Cool
Clean(ish) SPFs That Are Actually Cool
How to Have a Poosh-Perfect Summer Day
How to Have a Poosh-Perfect Summer Day
Wedding Season: Hacks and Must-Haves
Wedding Season: Hacks and Must-Haves
20 Under $100 Essentials for Summer 2022
20 Under $100 Essentials for Summer 2022
What Not to do For Acne Prone Skin: Summer Skincare Edition
What Not to do For Acne Prone Skin: Summer Skincare Edition
All-Natural Cures for Jet Lag
All-Natural Cures for Jet Lag
  • decor
  • entertaining
  • kids
  • motherhood
  • Playlists
  • recipes
4-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Pops
4-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Pops
Odd Food Pairings That Weirdly Work
Odd Food Pairings That Weirdly Work
Kourt’s Banana Shake Recipe
Kourt’s Banana Shake Recipe
Easy Baked Salmon Balls Recipe
Easy Baked Salmon Balls Recipe
Kendall’s Frozen Watermelon Margarita Recipe
Kendall’s Frozen Watermelon Margarita Recipe
Low-Carb Burrito Bowl Recipe
Low-Carb Burrito Bowl Recipe
  • family
  • kourtney
How Kourt Got Ready for the Met Gala
How Kourt Got Ready for the Met Gala
Kourt’s Birthday Sale Picks
Kourt’s Birthday Sale Picks
An Exclusive Peek Inside Kris Jenner’s Glassware Room
An Exclusive Peek Inside Kris Jenner’s Glassware Room
Inside Kris Jenner’s Dish Room
Inside Kris Jenner’s Dish Room
Watch Kourt Learn How to Make Crispy Rice with Avocado
Watch Kourt Learn How to Make Crispy Rice with Avocado
Kourt’s Vegan Breakfast Bowl
Kourt’s Vegan Breakfast Bowl
What are you looking for?
  • Shop
  • Open/Close Button HEALTH + WELLNESS
    • body
    • diy
    • fitness
    • Giving Back
    • health
    • mind
    • Relationships
    • Sexual Wellness
    • soul
  • Open/Close Button HOME + ENTERTAINING
    • decor
    • entertaining
    • kids
    • motherhood
    • Playlists
    • recipes
  • Open/Close Button KMK
    • family
    • kourtney
  • Open/Close Button LIFE + STYLE
    • Adulting
    • beauty
    • guides
    • Hacks
    • style
    • travel
  • Poosh Your Wellness
  • Newsletter
instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube
Hacks

HACKS TO EAT HEALTHIER When Dining out

By Poosh
share on pinterest share on facebook share on twitter Share on Flipboard share by email
 Photo credit @cassdimicco
@cassdimicco

Going out to eat is fun. Sometimes it’s exciting. Sometimes it’s obligatory. Most of the time, it’s inevitable. Maybe we are on a cleanse or a restrictive diet. We have busy social lives, or we’re dating. Either way, we shouldn’t have to choose between a social life and a healthy lifestyle. It’s really all about choices, rather than compromises.

We don’t have to choose a night out OR eating healthy, we can have both. And registered dietitian and founder of Kitchen Coach, Sarah Mirkin, tells us it doesn’t have to be boring—it can and should be totally delicious. Here are her favorite ways to stay on track while enjoying someone else cooking for you:

Don’t go hungry

This might sound counterintuitive. Wait, you want us to eat more calories? Before going out to eat? The point is not caloric here, though, not entirely. Mirkin explains that we shouldn’t show up to the restaurant famished for several reasons.

“This can lead to poor choices and overindulgence. Try to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day that are high in protein to keep your blood sugars even, and help keep you satisfied. To take the edge off, have a small snack with protein and veggies before you walk out the door. Try something like string cheese and grape tomatoes, turkey in lettuce leaves, or veggies and hummus.”

This will prevent you from diving headfirst into a bread basket or plate of truffle fries due to necessity. We all know friends will order it for the table, and if you’re absolutely running on empty, who can resist? A little healthy snack beforehand will also prevent drinking cocktails or wine on an empty stomach, which can cause binge eating later, as well. 

Opt for a lighter or healthier appetizer

Even if you have a snack before, or if you do show up famished, quickly order something healthy from the small bites section.

“If you skip tip #1 and show up hungry, order a healthy appetizer such as a shrimp or crab cocktail, chicken breast skewers, ceviche, steamed artichoke, or a broth-based soup when your server is taking your beverage order. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to know there is food in your stomach. This will help prevent overeating and making unhealthy menu choices,” Mirkin explains.

Do your homework

“Look at the menu online before you go! Decide what the healthiest choice is for you. Then, try to order before anyone you’re dining with so that you’re less tempted by unhealthy choices.” 

Order an alcoholic drink WITH dinner, or skip it

“Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach causes blood sugar to drop, which can make you feel famished, make poor choices, and overindulge. Caloric drinks, whether they contain alcohol or not, pack empty calories. Studies also suggest that people eat more when they are drinking a beverage besides water.” 

Don’t be afraid to ask for subs

For many, this is practically a phobia. We don’t want to come off as rude or demanding. So don’t! Ask politely if simple subs are possible. After all, you’re paying for it.

“Speak up! Make special requests such as asking for extra vegetables to replace a fried accompaniment or processed carbohydrate, avocado to replace mayonnaise, and heavy sauces and dressing on the side,” Mirkin suggests.

(Portion) size matters

“Pay attention to portion size. Restaurant dishes are typically at least twice as large as the appropriate serving size. When you’re with people dining and lost in conversation, you may not be aware of how much you’ve eaten until you’re overly stuffed. When your dish arrives, cut away the portion you don’t want to consume and put it to the side of your plate, or ask your waiter to place it in a to-go box.” 

Act like ladies and gents

“Eat like you’re fine dining, even when you aren’t. Eat slowly and pay attention to the aroma, mouthfeel, textures, and flavor of the food. Put your fork down and take sips of water between bites, take small bites, savor the food, and enjoy.”

It’s so easy to want to slam your whole incredible plate. But take your time. It’s not going anywhere, and you don’t have to rush. It’s an excuse to savor the social time, as well, and it’s amazing for digestion to eat slowly and more intentionally.

Shop our daily supplements collection:

Shop Children's Chocolate Probiotic Hearts
Shop Collagen Inner Beauty Boost Supercharged
Shop Well Spray Inner Beauty Support
Shop Glow Inner Beauty Essential Supercharged
Shop Well Spray Inner Beauty Support

The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the interviewee only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.

Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.

You may also like...

Go to article 10 Morning Hacks to Live By
Hacks

10 Morning Hacks to Live By

Go to article Glucose: 5 Simple Hacks to Curb Cravings
health

Glucose: 5 Simple Hacks to Curb Cravings

Related Articles

Goes to article TikTok Sex Hacks That Are Actually Legit
Sexual Wellness

TikTok Sex Hacks That Are Actually Legit

Goes to article Under-Eye Puffiness Hacks That Actually Work
Hacks

Under-Eye Puffiness Hacks That Actually Work

Goes to article The Craziest Kitchen Hacks from Our Readers
Hacks

The Craziest Kitchen Hacks from Our Readers

Goes to article Glucose: 5 Simple Hacks to Curb Cravings
health

Glucose: 5 Simple Hacks to Curb Cravings

Goes to article 10 Morning Hacks to Live By
Hacks

10 Morning Hacks to Live By

Goes to article Body Care Hacks for Great Skin
Hacks

Body Care Hacks for Great Skin

Goes to article Hacks to Help Shift Your Mood
Hacks

Hacks to Help Shift Your Mood

Goes to article Hacks to Improve Your Memory
mind

Hacks to Improve Your Memory

  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • California Privacy Rights
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Accessibility

Keep in Touch

instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube
Reviewed by Accessible360
  • © poosh, llc
    All Rights Reserved