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Eating out is a treat many of us look forward to, whether it’s for a special occasion, a social gathering, or simply a break from cooking at home. However, not all menu items are created equal. Some dishes might seem tempting but can be bad for your health, budget, or overall dining experience. Here’s a guide to what you should avoid ordering in a restaurant to make your meal more enjoyable and mindful.
The Calorie Bombs
- Fried Foods:
- Why to Avoid: Fried foods like onion rings, calamari, and fried chicken are often laden with unhealthy fats and calories. They can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated.
- Better Choice: Opt for grilled, baked, or steamed options to enjoy the flavor without the extra grease.
- Loaded Salads:
- Why to Avoid: Salads that are topped with creamy dressings, fried toppings, and excessive cheese can be calorie-dense and unhealthy, despite their veggie base.
- Better Choice: Choose salads with vinaigrette dressings, lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish, and plenty of fresh vegetables.
- Cream-Based Soups and Sauces:
- Why to Avoid: Cream-based soups and sauces are typically high in saturated fats and calories. They can quickly turn a healthy dish into an indulgence.
- Better Choice: Look for broth-based soups and dishes with tomato-based or vegetable sauces.
The Hidden Sugar Traps
- Sweetened Beverages:
- Why to Avoid: Sodas, sweetened teas, and sugary cocktails can add a lot of empty calories to your meal without providing any nutritional benefits.
- Better Choice: Stick to water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.
- Desserts:
- Why to Avoid: While it’s tempting to finish your meal with a dessert, many restaurant desserts are oversized and packed with sugar and fat.
- Better Choice: Share a dessert with the table or choose a lighter option like fresh fruit or sorbet.
The Overpriced and Overhyped
- Specialty Drinks:
- Why to Avoid: Specialty cocktails and mocktails can be significantly overpriced and loaded with sugars and artificial ingredients.
- Better Choice: A simple glass of wine or a classic cocktail like a gin and tonic can be more economical and contain fewer additives.
- Steakhouse Cuts:
- Why to Avoid: While a premium steak might seem enticing, the most expensive cuts aren’t always the best. Some can be excessively fatty or oversized, contributing to overconsumption and waste.
- Better Choice: Opt for a smaller, leaner cut of meat that’s still flavorful but more reasonably priced and portioned.
The Hygiene Hazards
- Buffet Items:
- Why to Avoid: Buffets can be a breeding ground for bacteria if food is left out for too long or not kept at the right temperature.
- Better Choice: Order freshly prepared dishes from the menu to ensure they are cooked to order and handled properly.
- Sushi from Non-Specialized Restaurants:
- Why to Avoid: Sushi requires precise preparation and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Non-specialized restaurants might not meet these standards, risking foodborne illnesses.
- Better Choice: Enjoy sushi from reputable sushi bars and Japanese restaurants known for their expertise and freshness.
The Budget Busters
- Daily Specials Without Prices:
- Why to Avoid: Specials that aren’t listed with prices can sometimes be significantly more expensive than regular menu items.
- Better Choice: Ask for the price of specials before ordering or stick to the regular menu where prices are clear.
- Excessive Extras:
- Why to Avoid: Adding extras like avocado, bacon, or premium cheeses can quickly drive up the cost of your meal.
- Better Choice: Consider which extras are truly necessary and which can be left out to keep your meal within budget.
Conclusion
Dining out should be an enjoyable and mindful experience. By avoiding these common restaurant pitfalls, you can make healthier, more economical, and safer choices. Stick to fresh, simple, and well-prepared dishes that offer the best value and flavor. Happy dining!
