As you might recall from my review of RX protein bars, I’m doing my bit for my own body in trying to get my physical and mental wellbeing in check through better eating habits and moving my butt more.
You don’t need me to tell you that a mahoosive part of getting fitter and healthier boils down to what you’re eating and drinking.
It really is true that you are what you eat and whilst I certainly don’t want to morph into a wilted green spinach leaf, I do want my body composition to be well hydrated, nutrient-dense and more aesthetically rewarding as a result.
Basically, I want a bangin’ booty, the abs of a Grecian goddess and limbs so slender they’d give Slender Man a run for his money. As a 5-foot-and-a-peanut food blogger who has willpower of jelly, this is proving to be quite the challenge.
One of my biggest bones of contention? How much I love eating out. Sure, I’d probably see more results much faster if I stopped reserving tables at restaurants at least once a week but I’ve got to be honest, that ain’t gunna happen any time soon.
So, with that in mind, I thought I’d share a few tips on how to stay healthy when eating out…
(The premise here is not going to be reduce meals out to once a month and only order salad and tap water while you’re there. Nope, I am certainly not about that life. Instead, the following pearls of wisdom are to help you strike a healthy balance to ensure that going for meals and enjoying a few drinks doesn’t completely curtail your efforts!)
Get moving more
The powers that be recommend that all able humans should be getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day and if you are pretty carefree about calories, this is something I would definitely be trying to do.
Getting your heart rate up and that blood pumping will keep fat levels in check, metabolism working, endorphins flowing and help counteract any foggy brains as a result of indulgent food and alcohol consumption.
Check out the mocktail menu
Going out doesn’t always have to mean out out. Readjust your mindset if you’re the kind of person who finds one glass of wine at dinner always leads to 15 Jagerbombs at 2am. Enjoy a few glasses of wine or a couple of cocktails and then have the power to call it a night.
Alternatively, do something radical and order an alcohol-free beverage from the mocktail or soft drinks menu. Better still, have a couple of glasses of water alongside any other drinks you might have in order to keep your hydration levels up, which will also help to curb hunger and overeating.
Treat yourself to some new gym gear
If my motivation tank starts feeling a little empty, I usually find that treating myself to some new gym attire is enough to peak my interest all over again. I mean, I’m sure there are much less materialistic ways to boost your motivation but hey, we are living in a material world and I am a material girl.
I’m hankering after the camo Ralph Lauren tracksuit bottoms at the moment but something like the Fujin ladies tracksuit bottoms are a more affordable alternative to the big brands.
Slooooow doooooown
Past me could see off a whole pizza to herself in less than 10 minutes feel like absolute ishhh for hours afterwards. Present me is trying to learn from past mistakes and eat at a more reasonable speed as eating slowly can improve digestion and help you realise when you’re full to avoid overindulgence.
Go for the veggie options from time to time
I eat meat and dairy multiple times a week but over the last six months or so, I’ve made it my mission to swing the balance to more vegetarian and vegan options. Not only will this help you reduce the number of calories without you even realising it, it will also help you pack in way more micronutrients in the process.
So, all in all, eating healthily when you are out doesn’t have to mean dire restrictions and drooling over everybody else’s carbs while you push your sans-dressing Caesar Salad around a baron plate. It’s just about finding that middle ground so you can enjoy what you love without heading straight off the rails.
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Collaborative post