Thanks to our demanding lifestyles today, we often do not get time to prepare meals at home and end up ordering food from outside regularly, don’t we? While food from outside can never compare with home-cooked meals in terms of quality and purity, there are some ways to still be judicious and health-conscious about what we are ordering in.

Below are some suggestions.

No comprise on healthy eating

• Most menus at restaurants offer healthier options on their website or the food-delivery app. This gives you a fair idea about the better options for you. Also make sure to browse through the nutritional information that is mostly provided.
• Make healthier choices by ordering items with lean proteins (lean cuts of meal or skinless poultry), green veggies, plant-based proteins (like lentils, chickpeas and beans) as well as whole grains.
• Items that are fried, cream-based or battered are best avoided.
• Choose fresh fruits as desserts. You can also go with green tea or Greek yoghurt.
• Instead of aerated beverages or calorie-rich drinks, opt for plain water or unsweetened beverages .

Make sure you know what you’re ordering

If you want to know more about the ingredients, preparation and calories of a particular dish that you wish to order, make sure you ask for the required information from the restaurant. In case of any desired customizations, feel free to voice your request and get it done as you want it!

What if the portion size is too big?

Once the food is delivered and you discover the portion size is too big, do not push yourself to eat it in one go. Eat half of it and share the remaining with your loved ones at home or save it for the following day.

Calorie check is vital

A prudent suggestion is to order the sauces, dressings and condiments separately on the side. That way, you’ll be in control about how much of them to add to your food for taste as well as keep the calories in check.