We all know eating out is typically not as healthy as cooking your food at home, but sometimes the convenience of takeout can’t be beat. The good news is that there are a couple ways to make eating out healthier, helping you avoid stomach upset and keep up with your healthy eating goals.

1. Lettuce wrap it. If you’re going for fast food, many burger joints will be happy to replace a burger or sandwich bun with a few large layers of lettuce. This reduces calories, carbs, and gluten, but still leaves you the protein and flavor to satisfy. Swap the french fries for fruit or a side salad for an added nutritional boost.
2. Build-your-own. Choosing restaurants that feature build-your-own burritos, sandwiches, or even pizza usually deliver lots of flavor with more control over the ingredients being served up. You can decide whether or not to get rice in your burrito, or to skip the tortilla and make it a burrito bowl. Sandwich joints often offer whole grain bread options and low calorie condiments. Build your own pizza chains often offer cauliflower-based crust and unlimited toppings so you can load up on veggies.
3. Go for grilled. Choosing grilled lean meats over fried delivers healthy  protein without the excess oil and breading. Blackened or cajun spiced options add a punch of flavor but keep your meat lower calorie.

Check out these resources for more healthy eating tips:

4 Helpful Apps to Get (and Keep) Your Nutrition on Track as a Busy First Responder

Getting the Nutritional Support You Need as a First Responder

How to Offer Great Nutritional Support for First Responders at Your Agency

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