Most people think that they cannot eat out because it isn’t healthy. However, many restaurants offer lighter options with fewer calories. Also, the type of food that is served can be healthier than some options. A burger joint is likely not considered a health food, but an Italian restaurant in Houston offers a lot of vegetables, fruit and fiber.
Weight Management While Eating Out
Most people enjoy dining out, so it’s not a good idea to ignore your cravings when trying to lose or manage weight. Instead, it is better to find restaurants that offer healthy options with a lot of vegetables and fruit. This type of cuisine offers spinach, citrus fruits, leafy greens, tomatoes, garlic, and onions. All of these options are low in calories and high in healthy nutrients. Therefore, you can go out to eat, enjoy yourself and stay within your calorie range. However, it is important to note that the sauces typically used can be higher in calories.
Fiber
Fiber is one of the most important aspects of your diet, and most people don’t get the recommended amount. Fiber is especially helpful to the digestive system and is considered a health carbohydrate that is found in plant foods. However, it is not digestible by humans though it helps in other ways. It can reduce cholesterol, stable blood sugar and even prevent constipation.
Heart Health
Heart health is also important when considering a healthy diet. Oils are very important for fat and olive oil is the best option. Other heart-healthy foods include seafood and red wine. Typically, fish, such as tuna, sardines or salmon contain unsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health and can help prevent heart disease and reduce blood pressure.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants aren’t usually considered in the Italian cuisine, but they are rich in these nutrients, which include lycopene, Vitamins C, A and E, selenium and beta-carotene, among others. Foods high in antioxidants include vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains, all of which are found in these restaurants in Houston.
Antioxidants protect the body from toxins and can reduce cell damage within the body. They can also reduce your risk of cancer. Studies have shown that people who ate more tomato-based products and tomatoes can reduce their risk for certain cancers.