If you're trying to lose weight, counting calories and watching what you eat is one of the best ways to accomplish that. However, people often socialize through sharing meals together. Going out to eat is more than just an exercise in gaining nourishment. It's also a way to spend time with your friends and loved ones. Fortunately, you can still enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant without ruining your diet. Here are four tips to help you make healthier choices at a French restaurant:
1. Skip the bread.
Most French restaurants offer complimentary bread for you to snack on while you browse the menu. It can be hard to resist crusty, warm French bread, but it will add additional calories to your meal. Plus, it will fill you up, and you won't be able to enjoy your meal as well. If you must have some bread, have only one piece and skip the butter and olive oil.
2. Have a salad.
Having a multi-course meal is one of the joys of eating out at a restaurant. Instead of a heavy appetizer, opt for a salad instead. Salad is full of nutritious vitamins and minerals, and vegetables are low calorie. Opt for a vinaigrette instead of a cream-based dressing, and order your dressing on the side so you can control the amount that goes onto your food.
3. Choose something healthy.
French dishes can be quite rich, but fortunately, French restaurants usually serve smaller portions than American-style restaurants. Order something that genuinely sounds good to you. After all, you are in a restaurant to enjoy yourself. However, it's worth considering the nutritional value of your food. Dishes made from fresh fish are light and delicious, and they're high in healthy omega vitamins.
4. Share dessert.
You can still indulge yourself while you're on a diet. French restaurants offer many delicious desserts; after all, France is world-renowned for its excellent pastries. You just need to have smaller portions. Offer to split a dessert with someone at your table, so you can enjoy the treat without going over your daily calorie allotment.
You can live a healthy lifestyle and still treat yourself to delicious restaurant meals. Remember, the key is moderation in all things. Sharing good food with loved ones is one of life's great pleasures, so don't miss out. You'll be happiest if you make sure there's enough room for flexibility in your diet. For more ideas you can ask the professionals that work at that specific restaurant, just like those at Marchesa Chicago.