While we all know the benefits of home cooking, ordering takeout from restaurants is an enjoyable (and convenient!) part of life. After your weight loss surgery, you might feel unsure about how to order healthy choices at restaurants. Yes, it is possible to occasionally enjoy ordering delicious foods from your favourite restaurant and maintain your healthy diet! There are just a few simple guidelines to help you make positive choices that will support your weight loss goals.
7 Tips to Make Healthier Takeout Choices After Weight Loss Surgery
Seek Out Healthier Options
Takeout doesn’t exclusively mean greasy fast food anymore. There are an abundance of restaurants that focus on healthy foods, and even cater to speciality diets such as vegetarianism, veganism, and gluten-free. Look for restaurants in your area that offer healthier options and try out the menu. You might find some new favourites!
Carefully Review the Menu
Most restaurants offer a digital version of their menu on their website or app. Take the time to review the menu and choose what you’d like to order. While making your decision, factor in both your taste buds and nutrition goals. You’re not stuck with only ordering a salad, it’s okay to order something tasty too. Making a careful decision beforehand will help prevent you from impulsively ordering too much food when you’re hungry.
Order Smaller Portions or Share
Some restaurants supersize their portions, which can lead to overeating. If you know a restaurant offers large portions, order a half-portion instead or ask that your order be split into two containers, so you have leftovers. You can also share your meal with a friend.
Ask for More Veggies
If your order comes with potatoes, white rice, or fries, ask to substitute a side salad or steamed vegetables. Vegetables are full of healthy fibre that will fill you up quickly without a lot of calories. You can also order a half-portion of your favourite meal, along with a salad to keep you full.
Order Condiments on the Side
Some condiments are high in calories, fat, sodium, and/or sugar. It’s also not uncommon for restaurants to be heavy-handed while drizzling your salad with dressing. Ask for your condiments on the side so you can control the portion sizes and lower your sodium intake.
Skip the Soda
Drinking water or herbal tea with your meal is an easy way to reduce calories and consume less sugar. Sodas and juices are high in sugar and calories, and lower in nutrients. They’re okay to enjoy every now and then, but water is the best drink to quench your thirst during mealtimes.
Eat Slowly and Enjoy
You’ve been waiting for your meal to be delivered after a long day and now you’re ravenous! It’s tempting to scarf down your delicious takeout as soon as it arrives, but take the time to really enjoy your meal. Put your takeout on a plate, pour a glass of water, and sit down at the kitchen table. Eat slowly and thoroughly chew each bite. Savour the taste, texture, and aroma of your meal. Being mindful about the experience of eating will help you feel satiated, be aware of your body’s signal that it’s full, and prevent overeating.
Reach Your Weight Loss Goals with SmartShape Weight Loss Centre. Lasting Weight Loss with the Mini Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, and Lap-Band Surgery (Gastric Band) in Ontario, Canada.
Undergoing weight loss surgery doesn’t mean that you’ll be deprived of your favourite foods. Weight loss surgery, such as the the gastric sleeve, gastric band or Lap-Band™, and mini gastric bypass surgery, is a tool that helps you feel full faster, eat smaller portions, and make healthier eating choices. You’ll still be able to go out to a restaurant with your friends or grab takeout occasionally! If you’ve struggled with losing weight and yo-yo dieting, weight loss surgery in Ontario, Canada from SmartShape may be the right choice for you.
If your BMI is 30 or above, you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery from SmartShape. Weight loss surgery options from our weight loss centre include the gastric sleeve, gastric band or Lap-Band™, and mini gastric bypass surgery. We’re proud to help Canadians lose weight and keep it off with our unique Aftercare Program. Our weight loss centre also offers all patients access to 5-year aftercare program. This program provides patients with personalized support from our team of bariatric surgeons, dieticians, nurses for 5 years after their surgery. Our team will provide you with the support you need to successfully reach your goals.
If you’re ready to change your lifestyle and lose the extra weight sustainably, SmartShape’s weight loss team is here to help you get started. Book a free virtual consultation with one of our weight loss surgeons to learn which weight loss option is right for your needs.