6 Tips For A Healthy Dinner Out

Going out to eat shouldn’t mean abandoning your healthy habits. But let’s be honest—between bottomless bread baskets, creamy cocktails, and menus filled with “chef’s special truffle something,” it’s way too easy to slide from “just one bite” into a full-blown food coma. We’ve all been there. Zero judgement.

The good news? You can enjoy a delicious dinner out and still feel good about your choices. No bland salads, no guilt trips, no eating like a rabbit. Just smart swaps, mindful moments, and a little bit of strategy.

Here are six fun, realistic tips for enjoying a healthy dinner out—while still loving every bite.

1. Skip the booze (sometimes)

Ordering a glass of wine (or two) is tempting, especially if everyone else is clinking their glasses. But those calories add up fast, and alcohol tends to make you hungrier and more snack-happy.

If you want to keep things light without killing the vibe, try:

• Sparkling water with lemon or lime
• Unsweetened iced tea
• Flavoured soda water
• A mocktail (fresh fruit + herbs works magic)

Save the cocktail for a night when it truly feels worth it—and enjoy how much clearer, lighter, and more energised you feel the next morning.

2. Salad smart, not sad

Salads can be a healthy choice, but only if you avoid the sneaky calorie bombs. That means:

• Skipping croutons or cheese (or choosing just a sprinkle)
• Swapping creamy dressings for vinaigrettes or olive oil + vinegar
• Asking for dressing on the side
• Adding lean protein (grilled chicken, salmon, prawns, tofu)

Suddenly your salad is actually a meal—not punishment.

3. Ditch the appetisers (unless they’re veggies)

Let’s be real: most appetisers are deep-fried, creamy, cheesy, buttery, or all of the above. And when you’re already ordering a main? You don’t need a calorie-packed intro.

If you really want a starter, go for:

• Grilled veggies
• A broth-based soup
• A shared platter
• Something baked, not fried

And honestly, half the time, once your main arrives, you forget you wanted a starter anyway.

If you really want a starter, choose something veggie-based or share it with the table.

4. Choose grilled, not fried

This is the easiest healthy swap you’ll ever make. When in doubt:

Grilled > Fried.
Baked > Breaded.
Tomato sauce > Cream sauce.

Bonus winning moves:

• Ask for extra veggies instead of chips or rice
• Keep sauces and dressings on the side
• Choose dishes with herbs, spices, lemon, or fresh ingredients
• Order a half-portion or two healthy sides if you’re not very hungry

5. Portion patrol

Restaurant portions are wild. Sometimes it feels like they’re feeding you for tomorrow and next Tuesday.

Here’s how to avoid overeating without feeling deprived:

• When your plate arrives, mentally choose half to take home
• Eat slowly and actually taste your food
• Share with someone if you’re comfortable
• Don’t feel guilty about leftovers—you’re literally being efficient

Future-you will feel great AND have lunch ready for the next day. Win-win.

6. Skip the sugar bomb desserts

Yes, dessert is fun—but it’s often a sugar overload. If you still want something sweet:

• Ask if they offer fruit or a low-carb/low-fat option
• Go for a scoop of sorbet
• Have a decaf coffee with skim milk to curb the craving

There’s no shame in skipping dessert altogether and grabbing something lighter at home.

Extra tip: If you know you’re dining out later, eat lighter throughout the day but don’t skip meals. That just sets you up to overeat.

Next time you’re heading out for a bite, keep these tips in your back pocket. You’ll feel better, enjoy your food more, and still have room for that late-night scroll through the dessert menu (with zero guilt).

For more real-life healthy eating inspo, check out:

• Tasty guilt-free treats to try at home
• Easy, healthy recipes you’ll actually make
• Lifestyle tips to feel good without dieting