A lot of people can struggle deciding which meals are the healthiest options on a restaurant or cafe menu. The good news is that eating out or ordering from a local cafe or restaurant can be simple, stress-free and healthy, if you have some ‘real food’ know-how.

  1. Research. On your next walk, investigate the cafes nearby and check out their menu. This way you’ll know which cafe has the healthiest options whenever you want to eat out (or order in!)
  2. Keep it simple. Every cafe or restaurant will have something like an omelette, salad, or stir fry. Most menus will also have a healthy choice that includes a simple protein with a salad or a simple protein with vegetables. If there’s a creamy sauce, however, just ask the waiter if they could leave that off.
  3. Do your best. See if you can find a meal that is as close to what you eat at home as possible. This means a dish with more vegetables and healthy carbs, a moderate amount of protein as well as some good fats. Don’t stress if the meal isn’t 100% healthy, do your best, but enjoy your night!
  4. When invited out to eat, do your homework. A quick Google of the menu before you go will give you plenty of time to decide what you’re comfortable eating, and there’s time to phone a friend if you are unsure (or, if you’re a 28er you can reach out to my friendly nutrition crew for advice!).
  5. When in doubt, ask. Most waiters are extremely accommodating and they’re happy to help. They’re very used to people asking for a simple ingredient swap, or to have the dressing ‘on the side’. If there is a deep-fried side dish you’d like to avoid, ask the restaurant for a healthier substitute, for example, ask to swap chips for a baked potato or extra greens.

If you are unsure, or you’re having trouble choosing between dish A and dish B, choose the meal that has the most vegetables.

  • Salmon is always a healthy choice
  • Make a greek salad your eating out ‘go to’
  • Choose an Acai bowl for a healthy cafe breakfast
  • There’s always a few healthy cafe options to be found
Learn how to recognize healthy options when you eat out (but if in doubt, ask the waiter!)

Here are some healthy restaurant meals you can order the next time you eat out!

BREAKFAST: Order one of these healthy cafe options

  • Omelette with side of avocado
  • Poached eggs on sourdough with a side of avocado and tomato
  • Eggs, bacon, tomato, spinach, mushrooms
  • Baked eggs with rye bread
  • Acai bowl (be mindful of too much fruit, especially dried fruit and other sweet toppings that can ramp up the sugar content)

eating-out-101-2

LUNCH: Look for these healthy cafe dishes

  • Chicken and avocado salad
  • Roast vegetable and quinoa salad
  • Quiche or Frittata and salad
  • Sashimi
  • Yakitori (grilled chicken) and edamame beans
  • Wholegrain wrap with tuna/falafels, lettuce, tomato, carrot and cheese

eating-out-101-1

DINNER: You can’t go wrong with these healthy pub meals!

  • Baked or crispy skin salmon with baked potato and beans
  • Grilled or macadamia crusted barramundi
  • 125/250g rump with vegetables or salad
  • 125/250g scotch fillet vegetables or salad
  • Greek Salad
Order grilled salmon for dinner
Grilled salmon is always a healthy restaurant dinner
healthy greek salad
If in doubt, order a Greek Salad with Fetta or Halloumi

Posted by Sam Wood

Father and husband, on a mission to help people move more, eat better and make a positive change to their lives. Sam Wood has over 20 years experience as a personal trainer and is recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts and media commentators in the health & fitness industry. Sam is the founder and personal trainer of 28, Australia’s #1 home fitness and nutrition program, and he's also the proud owner of Australia’s largest personal training studio, The Woodshed, based in Brighton, Melbourne.

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