cutenergy

You know when you’re trying to eat healthy, then someone messages the group to make dinner plans? We get that feeling. But, trying to eat healthy doesn’t mean you have to skip out on going to restaurants. Here are our tips on how you can make healthy choices at any restaurant, meet your goals, and still enjoy a night out with the girls!

STEP 1: STICK WITH WATER 

Don’t waste your precious calories on drinks. Sodas and alcoholic beverages can be filled with sugars that can completely derail your goals. Go for water, so you can have more freedom when you’re ordering your meal! 

STEP 2: PICKING THE RIGHT APPETIZER 

Trying to eat healthy doesn’t mean you have to eat less. You can still enjoy an appetizer before your main, just make good choices! Choose a plate that contains something grilled (no fried foods!) or something primarily veggie based. You want to stay away from carbs here, so go for proteins and veg in this course! 

STEP 3: DRESSING ON THE SIDE, PLEASE! 

Salads can be a surprisingly unhealthy trap, mostly due to high-calorie dressings. If you’re ordering a salad, ask for an olive oil and balsamic dressing on the side – any restaurant can do this, and it saves you from ruining your goals with a sneaky dressing! 

Step 4: ORDERING YOUR MAIN COURSE 

Stay far, far away from sections that involve sandwiches, burgers or pastas – they may sound delicious, but it’s not worth it when you’re trying to eat healthier. Instead, opt for lean meats like grilled chicken, or fish. Most menus have these as options, and you can get them with some steamed or grilled veggies, or a salad (dressing on the side). 

If lean meats and fish aren’t your thing, go for a salad for your main! Restaurant salads can be packed with tons of healthy toppings, just make sure you’re avoiding anything fried or breaded – and always remember, olive oil and balsamic dressing on the side! 

STEP 5: TO DESSERT, OR NOT TO DESSERT? 

You can decide to skip dessert altogether, but if you’re craving something sweet and you’ve followed the first 4 steps, you deserve to treat yourself. We recommend sharing a dessert with a couple of your girls, so you can satisfy your craving without ruining your nutrition plan. 

Going out to a restaurant doesn’t have to derail your diet. Make smart choices, so you can have your cake and eat it, too (figuratively speaking, of course)! 

We created a delicious, refreshing mocktail inspired by the flavors of our CUT Watermelon Pomegranate Energy Drink. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 

Makes 6 drinks 

• Handful of fresh mint leaves, torn by hand 
• 3-4 thick slices of fresh watermelon, cubed 
• ½ cup simple syrup 
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3 limes) 
• Soda water, for serving 
• Pomegranate seeds, for serving 

Directions: 

1. Remove and discard the rind and seeds from the watermelon and cube. Use a mortar and pestle, or a bowl with the handle of a whisk and mash the mint leaves with the watermelon. 
2. Put the mashed mint and watermelon into a pitcher with the simple syrup and lime juice and stir to combine. 
3. Place ice cubes in 6 glasses and pour the mocktail mixture into glasses. Top each glass with your desired amount of soda water and garnish with pomegranate seeds. 
4. Serve cold and enjoy! 

Want to tone your abs? This ab circuit can be done anywhere, and you’re guaranteed to feel the burn.  

1 minute, ab crunch (keep legs at 90 degrees) 

Rest 15 seconds 

1 minute, bicycle crunches 

Rest 15 seconds 

1 minute, Russian twists (optional: hold a ball or weight) 

Rest 15 seconds 

1 minute, plank 

Rest 15 seconds 

Repeat this circuit 3 times.