If you're eating out at a restaurant or cafe, you can make choices to ensure that your meal is healthy and balanced.
It's all too easy to have more saturated fat, salt and sugar than you realise when you're not cooking your own meal.
You can also end up eating more than you would have done if you'd served up your own portions.
We often indulge in sugary and high-fat foods when it's a special occasion. But many of us are eating out more often, and this means that it's important to think about healthier choices.
The first tip to remember is that whatever and wherever you're eating, you don't need to clear your plate. Instead, eat slowly and stop when you are full.
Restaurants and cafes
Simple steps can help you make sure that you make healthier choices when eating out.
Food swaps
These swaps can make your restaurant or cafe meal healthier. Choose:
chicken without the skin, or lean meats such as ham, fish (not fried) or pulses instead of pies, bacon and sausages
tomato and vegetable sauces instead of sauces based on cream and cheese
rice that is steamed or boiled instead of fried rice, such as pilau rice and egg fried rice
potatoes that are baked or boiled without added salt or butter instead of chips or creamy mashed potatoes
fruit salads, sorbets and low-fat yoghurts instead of cakes, chocolate or creamy puddings, biscuits, sweets and ice cream
vegetables and salads served plain instead of served with butter, oily dressings or mayonnaise
salad dressing on the side, so you can add only as much as you need
Eating out tips
These tips can help you make healthier choices when you're eating at a restaurant or cafe.