As someone who works in a pub kitchen I have seen, and definitely eaten, my fair share of fatty foods. But, as someone who is also into keeping fit it’s often a recipe for disaster. I am way too tempted by desserts and greasy food, and I’m definitely not alone in that.
That’s not to say the healthier options aren’t available, but when there are so many other tasty treats available who even notices them?
Saying this, I have decided to write this piece to make sure we get the best out of fast food and pub chains.
Willpower
Healthy eating is as much about your mind set than it is the food. If you’re not committed you’ll never stick to it. Now, we can all be tempted by a Big Mac or Chicken Nuggets but sometimes you have to have the will power to say no.
If I ever am tempted, I always think of what I’m trying to achieve. I have a goal in my head of what I want to look like physically and that stays in my mind when I’m ordering a meal. A meal out is not to be feared. For a long time, I thought that if I ate out I was automatically eating unhealthy foods. However, that isn’t the case as there are plenty of healthy options available.
The food
Every fast food and pub restaurant have lighter options. Even McDonald’s sell salads. Jacket potatoes, wraps, pastas and salads are all great things you can eat if you’re trying to be good. Even if you do fancy a cheeky burger, ordering salad with your meal instead of chips is a great way to keep the calorie count down. That way you still get some naughty food but a healthier version of it; the best of both worlds.
Reward yourself
It’s all too easy to think if you’re on a diet that you can’t eat anything that’s bad for you. Although diets can make you thin, it means nothing if you’re not healthy too and a balanced diet is what you need to aim for. So, if you go out for a meal and order a salad, why not have a dessert to reward yourself for your hard work. That’s not to say doing that every day is a good idea because that would defeat the purpose, but every now and again is not so bad.
Besides, healthier desserts are always on offer too. Fruit salads are a dessert I have seen on a lot of menus and they’re healthy!
Going out for a meal, even if that is too a fast food restaurant, is not to be feared just because you’re counting your calories. There are always healthier options available for you to try.
So the next time you eat out, instead of skimming past them have a look and order one. If you want to stay fit and healthy you have to take the first step. Restaurants offer the food, all you have to do is take it.
What do you think? What advice would you add? Have your say in the comments section below.
