55% of Canadians plan to eat more healthily as their New Year’s resolution in 2024.

It’s all about balance – there are different ways to eat out more healthily without sacrificing flavours

“New OpenTable research reveals 30% of consumers surveyed find it difficult to choose healthier options at restaurants. What consumers don’t always realize is that wanting to eat better doesn’t mean having to avoid eating out,” explains Abbey Sharp, Registered Dietitian and food blogger.

There are some simple practices you can put in place to better navigate a restaurant menu and maintain a balanced diet, including a focus on fiber and having sauces on the side.

Abbey shares her top tips for Canadians wanting to make healthier choices at restaurants:

1. Fuel up with fiber: Fiber is a great source of nutrition and can help you feel fuller for longer, so don’t be afraid to start your meal with a broth-based soup loaded with veggies or a grain bowl full of greens and healthy fats, if you please.
2. Forget the fried: Diners indulge in delicious deep-fried goodness every now and then, but sometimes simple is better – and just as tasty! So choose grilled, baked, roasted or broiled options over fried, whenever possible.
3. Get your sauce on the side: Fact: sauces take your meals to the next level. Consider ordering them on the side next time you dine out so you can be the master of your own destiny-and sauce intake.
4. Keep your portions within proportion: Picky eaters rejoice! You can have it all. Instead of ordering a single main, try ordering a protein-based appetizer and a vegetable-based appetizer. This helps with portion control AND allows you to explore more menu options.
5. Diner knows best: No food is bad food. Listen to yourself and enjoy everything in moderation.

Abbey Sharp is a well-known Registered Dietitian, TV personality, and award-winning cookbook author. Her core philosophy is that a pleasurable relationship with food is the secret to good health.