Guide to Healthy Eating Out for Mummies

Mummies are very busy, especially at this time of year. Sometimes they don’t have time to cook, clean and do all the other things they have to do, so they need a little treat by going out to eat or getting a takeaway. The problem is that many of these foods are high in fat, sugar and calories that can make the whole family unhealthy. Luckily, there are many ways Mummies can still eat healthily when going out for a meal while still satisfying their family’s tummies.

Here is our guide to healthy eating out for Mummies:

Pick proteins wisely. Not all proteins are created equally. If you’re looking forward to a nice steak at the local grill, choose a leaner cut like tenderloin or strip. Even better? Choose the chicken! White meat is the leanest and best for your waistline and cholesterol levels.

Drink water. You might be used to ordering fizzy drinks when going out, but if you’re eating out on a diet, you’ll want to think again. Fizzy drinks add loads of extra sugar and empty calories to a meal, and only make the children hyper and harder to handle! Drinking water will hydrate you and keep your system functioning as it should. It also helps to slow down your consumption if you remember to drink regularly throughout your meal.

Don’t follow the ‘Light’ Mummies wanting to eat healthier are always stocking up on foods labelled “light” at the supermarket, so why not trust the takeaway menu as well? Some restaurants might label a menu option as “light,” because it is low in fat, but at the same time, it could be packed with carbs (or vice versa!). Make sure you read the menu carefully and order a well-balanced meal. If you’re not sure, try some of these healthier options:

*Mexican: Veggie Fajitas and bean-rich dishes

*Italian: Grilled chicken and thin-crust pizza

*Chinese: Vegetable stir-fry with rice and dim sum

*Indian: Chapattis, dhals and vegetable or fish curries.

*Thai: Almost everything is healthy! Avoid spring rolls and coconut sauces.

*Pub food: Boiled potatoes and roasts with skin removed.

Eat dessert. Finally some good news! Yes, eating dessert is actually good for you, as long as it’s in moderation. Everyone has sugar cravings, and if you suppress them you may find yourself the victim of a binge. Go ahead and satisfy your sweet tooth now and again, but try to share with others so as not to go overboard. Another good idea is replacing processed desserts with fruit like pineapple, strawberries or melon. Children love these healthy sweet treats, too!

Easy on the wine. A glass of wine can contain anywhere from 150-200 calories, but the damage isn’t usually done by the wine itself. Alcohol elicits a relaxing feeling and can lead to a release of inhibitions. Drinking wine while eating out on a diet can lead to overeating, ordering unnecessary desserts or nibbling on the kids’ precious chips! Try to stick to one drink during dinner, and if you’d like another, wait until the meal has finished.

My mummy has been trying to eat healthier too, and practises many of these tips. Do you have any to add?