Eating Out a Lot This Summer? Here’s How to Keep It Healthy.

Let’s face it: summer, in any city, is all about being outside. From deciding which terrace to head to next, picnics on the canal, and a seemingly endless list of restaurants and food trucks to try, eating out becomes an inescapable part of the summer season. And while it’s fun (and delicious), it can be easy to feel off track when it comes to healthy eating.

The good news? You can still enjoy all your favourite summer spots without compromising your health goals. In this article, you can find some practical & guilt-free tips for eating out smarter in the summer:

1. 🍽️ Scan the Menu with a Balanced Plate in Mind

When dining out, look for meals that offer all three nourishing food groups: a source of protein, colourful veggies, and some fibre or whole grains. If your main dish is low on veggies, consider adding a side salad or grilled vegetables to round things out.

Pro Tip: If you’re anticipating eating a meal that simply lacks fruits or veggies, consider having it before you head out! A small fruit to start the day before heading out to brunch, or snacking on some raw veggies before a burger night — it’s the small efforts that count!

2. 🍨 Be Selective with Your Indulgences

With ice cream on every corner, festival food trucks, and poutine at midnight, temptation is everywhere. Rather than saying yes to everything, pick the treats you’ll truly enjoy and savor them mindfully.

For instance, if you know you’re stopping for a cone later on in the evening, maybe skip the deep-fried starter at dinner. You’ll feel better about it later on in the evening as gentle balance goes a long way!

3. 🍷 Watch the Liquid Calories

Between sangrias, local craft beers, and fancy mocktails, drinks can add up fast in sugar and calories. Alternate alcoholic drinks with sparkling water or opt for lighter options (like a spritz or wine instead of sugary cocktails).

Pro Tip: Set yourself a limit for the night and/or for the weekend, and do your best to stick close to this number.

4. 🛎️ Share Plates or Take Half to Go

Depending on where you end up, portion sizes at restaurants can be large and in many locations, plates are meant to be shared! Don’t feel pressured to clean your plate — you might find enjoyment in sharing dishes with a friend or packing leftovers for later (one less meal to think about cooking!)

I’m all about variety, which is why I always think of ordering a few small plates to share instead of one heavy meal. It’s more social and there more things to taste, the merrier!

5.💛 Listen to Your Hunger Cues

With all the social events, it’s easy to eat just because it’s there. Pause and ask: am I actually hungry, or just eating because everyone else is? Tuning in to your body can help prevent that overstuffed feeling.

Eating out more often in the summer is part of the joy of city life—so enjoy it!

With a few simple strategies, you can savour your meals, support your health, and still make the most of terrasse season.