The Benefits of Eating Lunch at Restaurants – A Comprehensive Guide
Eating lunch at restaurants can be a healthy and convenient option. Many restaurants now provide calorie information on their menus and offer dishes without trans fats or gluten to cater to those with specific dietary needs. When eating at a restaurant, choose grilled or steamed fish, roasted vegetables and salad with dressing on the side.
It’s Healthy
Many restaurant dishes are loaded with vitamins. You can also use a few tricks to make healthy choices. Many restaurants post nutrition information online; some even offer menu calorie counts. Reviewing this before you go can help you decide which restaurant to visit and choose lower-calorie meals. It can also help you avoid oversized portions, one of the leading causes of overeating at restaurants.
Most restaurants have a wide variety of side dishes that can be added to your entree for a low-calorie meal. Choose vegetable sides such as salads, grilled vegetables and corn on the cob. Vegetables and corn are good sources of fiber, which helps control blood sugar and hunger. Choose low-fat dressings and limit high-fat condiments such as mayonnaise, sour cream and butter. If you want to add protein to your dish, choose lean cuts of meat such as chicken breast, sirloin or a skinless turkey burger. Some restaurants serve smaller cuts of meat that are lower in fat, such as top sirloin, tip steak and bottom round.
Skipping lunch can cause you to overeat at your next meal. It can also reduce your focus and productivity at work. Moreover, you may need to eat more later in the day, leading to weight gain and health problems.
It’s Delicious
Eating a regular, nutritious best lunch in Breckenridge, CO, helps most people keep their weight in check and perform at work and school. It also staves off hunger and provides energy for the afternoon. You can choose foods low in saturated fat, salt and sugar and high in dietary fiber, fruits, vegetables and oily fish. It is important to include a protein source in the meal, such as lean meat, eggs, pulses or seafood and to keep the portion size reasonable. Also, if you have time to eat out for lunch, it’s nice to sit down in a restaurant and treat yourself to something delicious. Sometimes this means two soft pretzels and a plate of pizza.
Some restaurants serve lunch in a moderately sized meal between 11 and 1. It may include a sandwich or soup, salad, tacos, burritos, sushi, bento boxes, or pizza. During the week, adults may go out to lunch with colleagues to negotiate business deals or a romantic date or bring their children to a fast-casual restaurant.
It’s Convenient
Taking out-of-office lunches is an effective way to strengthen business relationships and encourage a positive work culture. In fact, according to a survey, 81 percent of leaders say that free meals and snacks make employees more likely to return to work on-site. When it comes to business lunches, many of the same guidelines apply to any other meeting use, but there are some additional considerations to remember. First, it’s important to consider the location. Choose a restaurant with ample parking, especially if several people are in the group. Nothing kills the mood of a business lunch, like arriving at the restaurant and finding yourself stuck in traffic.
Additionally, if you know a guest has food allergies or restrictions, inform them before the meal. It’s also a good idea to follow your guest’s lead in terms of drinks. You can do the same if he orders a martini or go with something lighter. Finally, turning off your phone during lunch is important to give your guest your undivided attention. It’s a common mistake to think that your cell phone will never ring during a meeting, but allowing it to buzz constantly is a surefire way to destroy the mood of a business lunch and put the guest on edge.
It’s Cheap
Eating at restaurants can be surprisingly cheap, especially when you look for deals and discounts. Many restaurants have daily specials that need to be advertised on the menu. These might be half-price wine on Sundays, a prix fixe menu on Mondays or discounted dinners for kids or seniors. Many also offer cheaper meals during lunchtime or after theater shows. Ask your server about these offers, and don’t hesitate to negotiate.
If you’re dining with someone, split an entree. This way, you get two meals for the price of one and eliminate food waste. Also, consider asking for a to-go box when your meal arrives. This allows you to take half the meal for your next lunch or snack, so you won’t be tempted to overeat or spend extra on dinner. Many restaurants offer discounts to those who sign up for their loyalty programs. For example, you might get a free cup of soup with your order or a discount on future visits. And, if you use the right credit card, you can get anywhere from 1% to 5% back on restaurant purchases.
