As we begin 2019, many strive for more nutritious diets; however, New Year’s resolutions have a reputation for ultimate failure. Many find themselves inevitably resuming previous poor eating habits. The root of their insufficiency may oftentimes be the difficulties that arise when eating out. We frequently seek the quickest meal options when we are on the go, which can prompt sacrificing intentions to eat wholesome, healthful food. Going off-campus for lunch, travelling, and eating out with friends are just a few of the activities that periodically push consumers to give in to less healthy menu options. There are several ways around this route to failure, though, which can help you to maintain a balanced diet.

 Sometimes the most convenient restaurant options are the most unhealthy. Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Cook Out, and Chick-fil-A do not offer the most nutritious of meals. You do not necessarily have to ditch these restaurants to be healthy, but you should steer clear of the unhealthiest choices on the menu. A common default side for many consumers is french fries. Loaded with sodium, fries overwhelm the salt and calorie intake of any fast food meal. However, most dining spots, including fast food chains, offer fresh fruit cups, side salads, and other healthier options that you can substitute for fries. In terms of entrees, look for items that are grilled, baked, or broiled, rather than fried. It helps to look at a menu before arriving at the restaurant so that you are not forced to order frantically at the last minute, which most often results in eating unhealthful food. Scope out the healthiest food items before getting to your restaurant of choice so that it will be easier to choose the more nutritious options over the unhealthy ones. Many quick restaurants that offer healthier menus overall are becoming more prevalent, which can make eating well easier when you are short on time. Zoë’s Kitchen, Chopt, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Clean Eatz all fall within this category.

 You may also want to consider bringing food with you on the go. Packing a healthy and portable meal may help you resist unhealthy temptations. Sometimes avoiding trips to fast food restaurants as a whole are the best option for your diet, and you may be better off preparing a balanced meal at home to bring along with you to work, school, or anywhere else you travel throughout your day. Junior Aja Atkins often prefers packing a lunch for school: “If I bring my own lunch and put together healthy food ahead of time, then I don’t have to worry about making bad eating choices when I’m eating out.”

 If you are looking to make healthier choices this year, eat smart when you are dining out. It can be easy to fall back into old, unhealthy eating habits when you are faced with menus that make it difficult to maintain a nutritious diet when in a rush. Plan ahead, and choose to eat more wholesome food all the time.