Do you love Olive Garden but worry that all that pasta might send your blood sugars through the roof? Don’t worry, you do not have to avoid this delicious restaurant.

Keep reading this blog to find smart choices, and eating-out tips that won’t sacrifice your sugar control.

🍝 Tips for Eating Out

Make eating out easier and less stressful by following these simple tips below. Eating out with friends or family should be an enjoyable experience, not one that you fret over.

  • Plan Ahead: Before going into the restaurant, take a few minutes to look over the menu and nutritional information online. This way, you’ll know which options are best for you before sitting at the table.
  • Control Portion Sizes: A great way to control portions is to ask for a to-go box as soon as your meal arrives. By boxing up half the meal, you will avoid overeating just because the food is in front of you.
  • Eat Slowly and Mindfully: Slow down while eating. Eating slower helps to increase your awareness of how your body feels so that you are more likely to recognize when you’re full.
  • Choose a Balanced Plate: When eating out, keep the diabetes plate method at the back of your mind. Aim to get a good balance of lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains in your meal.

🍝 Menu Choices

When you first look at the menu, it can feel overwhelming to choose meals that are both delicious and don’t spike your sugar levels. There are plenty of good options for you to enjoy on your night out for dinner.

 
  • Pasta e Fagioli Soup (16g carbs)
  • Herb-grilled salmon with Broccoli (9g carbs)
  • Chicken Piccata (11g carbs)
  • Famous House Salad (30g carbs)
  • Grilled Chicken Margherita (15g carbs)
All of these options are not only diabetes-friendly, but also taste delicious. You can share these meals with a loved one or save half for the night day to keep portion size under control.

🍹 Drink Options

Drinks can cause your blood sugar to spike faster and higher than you might think. Even if you are making healthy choices with your meals, it’s important to consider what you are drinking as well. Many drinks can be high in calories and sugars. Below are some great drink options that won’t spike your blood sugars when you pair with your dinner.

  • Unsweetened Iced Tea
  • Diet Coke
  • Lemon Water
  • Water
Summary Eating out should be an enjoyable experience that you can look forward to rather than a source of stress. With a little planning and the right strategies, you can continue to indulge in your favorite restaurants, on occasion, while maintaining control of your blood sugars. Putting the tips above into practice will help you make better decisions when it comes to eating out.