This has forever been the protruding thorn in my side - on the one hand, I need to keep my diet healthy and low carb, but on the other, I want to dine out as much as possible. And here we are again, entering a brand new year with brand new resolutions of grandeur. Oh joy!
I've found it infinitely harder to dine out several times per week and keep it healthy and nutritious. I can often just give in to my local French bistro's best burger; I'm that hungry.
Often I'm thinking about combining slimming down with eating satisfying meals. Eating out can be tough when you're trying to improve your diet, as restaurant options usually need to be more calorie-conscious. But there are options to enjoy restaurants that don't compromise your health goals - and you can be blown away by the dining experience.
How To Slim Down And Still Eat Out
One of the best tips for slimming down and still enjoying restaurant meals is obviously making intelligent menu choices. Dishes that are grilled or steamed instead of fried or sautéed. Limiting yourself when ordering appetizers and sides – opt for light salads and vegetables over fries or other deep-fried items. Another great way to trim calories is to choose water instead of sugary drinks like soda or teas with added sugar. Finally, you could share your entree with someone else at the table so that you don't overeat. Our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs and being overfull goes beyond satisfying, leading to feelings of discomfort and guilt.
Be mindful about what and how much you eat when dining out. One easy tip is to order smaller portions of dishes rich in flavor, such as grilled seafood or lean cuts of meat. You can also fill up on nutrient-dense sides like steamed vegetables or a salad with light dressing instead of heavier sides like fries or mashed potatoes.
Avoid thick and creamy sauces, except for special occasions. You really don't need them!
Best Cuisines For Calorie-Conscious Diners
One of the best cuisines for us 'calorie-counters' and certainly one of my favorites is Japanese food like sushi or sashimi. These dishes are usually made with low-calorie ingredients like salmon, tuna, rice, and vegetables and are typically light on fat. Salmon is an absolute superfood, contributing to overall healthy cholesterol levels and boosting immunity. You can pair some really light beverages with Japanese cuisine, like green tea, a light beer, or cider. And there is an abundance of offerings of Japanese in every NYC neighborhood, ranging from affordable and friendly to opulent Omakase.
An adventurous option that fewer may have thought of is Ethiopian food.
It's an entirely unique cuisine and culture all unto its own, as Ethiopia was never colonized under another administration. Its fare consists of colorful vegetables, fruits, and beans, much to every vegan's delight. But you can also get mouth-watering stews with signature Injera flatbreads that closely resemble a crepe.
When I had my first Ethiopian meal over 10 years ago, it was at a modest little gem in Hell's Kitchen called Queen Of Sheba. We had the meat and veggie platter, whereby all your ingredients come tastefully presented as above, on a giant flatbread. You dig in by rolling small crepes for yourself, and let's be honest, who doesn't want to eat with their fingers sometimes! The vibe is casual, the food is so delicious, feels fantastic in your stomach, and it is easily digestible. Other options around the city are Meskerem in Greenwich Village and Bunna Cafe in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
Chinese and Asian-fusion restaurants always offer at least a section for steamed and healthy options, and again there are a ton of places in the city to choose from. However, a good idea might be to head straight to Chinatown, rocking a blazer and some real shoes, and hit up Chinese Tuxedo or Joe's Shanghai. Famed Phillipe Chow can be fun people-watching - which may even divert your attention from the food.
One other favorite cuisine type that I always seem to gravitate to, is Greek cuisine. And for someone that has visited the Greek Islands and Athens twice in my life, I have never felt so healthy on holiday.
Greek staples include their excellent, fresh salads and assortment of seafood dishes, often family-style, to share between people. It's an essentially healthy cuisine, and there are many lovely spots in NYC, from Avra to Molyvos to Yefsi. They have stunning decor and will also have broad selections of Greek wine to experiment with, so grab yourself an Assyrtiko white with any of these dishes. 
