Avoid These Mistakes When Ordering Out

Ordering out offers a great way to enjoy a tasty meal when you don’t have the time to cook. But many people make unhealthy choices when ordering takeout. Here are a few mistakes you want to avoid next time you order a meal out.

Mistake #1 – Eating Your Entire Order

Takeout meals are generally created to serve multiple people, so it’s essential to think about portion control. Don’t eat the whole meal yourself. Put a portion of the food on a plate, so you don’t accidentally nosh through the entire thing.

Mistake #2 – Chowing Down While Distracted

Along with not eating the entire order, don’t make the mistake of chowing down while you’re distracted. That means don’t try eating in the car or dining mindlessly in front of the TV again. It’s super easy to eat far more than you planned on when you’re distracted.

Mistake #3 – Ordering Drinkable Calories

Those sugary coffee drinks and other types of drinkable calories really add up. It’s easy to just order those drinks packed with sugar without considering what’s actually in them. This doesn’t just include sweet coffee drinks, milkshakes, and sugary sodas. Even fruit juice comes with a lot of calories and sugar. Stick to water and add lime or lemon to it for a flavor boost instead.

Mistake #4 – Not Paying Attention to the Cooking Methods

Sure, ordering out chicken sounds pretty healthy, but not if that chicken is fried. Deep frying not only packs in calories, but it’s not good for your brain, your heart, or any other part of your body. Choose grilled or baked items from the menu, or ask if you can substitute something grilled in place of something fried.

Mistake #5 – Failing to Order Dressings and Sauces on the Side

Last, failing to order your dressings and sauces on the side means that you have no control over how much is used. That means that “healthy” salad could turn into a calorie bomb if it’s drenched in high-calorie dressing. Order dressings and sauces on the side, and then you’ll be able to make a healthy choice on how much you use.