Can you eat out & stay healthy?

Eating out at a restaurant is one of my favourite things to enjoy with family and friends.

But I also know it's hard to stick to a healthy plan when eating out. So many restaurant dishes are laden with unhealthy types of fat, salt and sugar.

A study carried out by Liverpool University of 21 full service restaurants and 6 fast food restaurants found that 1 in 4 starters and 1 in 5 side dishes contain more calories than is recommended for a full meal!

However, there are a few tricks you can use to enjoy a delicious meal while still keeping it healthy.

First off, try to find a restaurant that has a good variety of healthy options on their menu. Grilled fish or chicken, salads, and veggie dishes are all great choices.

You'll want to avoid fast-food places if possible (although, interestingly their desserts are often less calorific than at a standard restaurant.)

Before you head to the restaurant, take a quick peek at the menu online. This way, you can get an idea of what dishes they have available.

Once you arrive, look for grilled or baked options rather than fried ones.

Healthy options can include hummus and crudites or olives for starters. Ask for a salad without dressing. Sirloin steak is less fatty than rump steak.