With summer around the corner, vacations, long weekends, and celebrations, you will most likely be faced with the decision of what to eat out and about. Oftentimes, convenience and budget play the biggest roles in selecting where you will eat.
Clean eating doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t require you to bring lunch every day or on vacations. It just requires persistence and a lot of dedication. Read on to find out how to eat clean while out and about!

If you’re visiting from out of town, ask the locals in the area about family-owned restaurants. Fast-food chains are less likely to have organic and healthy food options when it comes to eating on the go. Family-owned restaurants are more likely to not only offer organic items, but also items that are vegetarian, less processed and overall healthier.
Many U-Pick Farms offer “Farm-to-Table” dining right at the farm! Search Google to see if there is a farm in your area! Choose restaurants that offer locally grown produce and “in house” made food, rather than many chain restaurants that receive their food frozen and already assembled.

Eliminate all fast-food chains. Healthy doesn’t have to break the bank, but quick fix burgers and pre-made tacos will surely affect your health in negative ways. Look for menu items advertising wild fish catches, sheep dairy, or vegetable entrees.

Many health food stores offer dine-in options or take-out foods such as falafel, couscous, wild Alaskan salmon, hummus and pita bread, quinoa salads, and other organic and vegetarian options. Searching the phone book or online map can direct you to the nearest health food store in your area.
Ask to substitute sides such as white rice with brown rice or steamed vegetables. Many times, restaurants will omit meat from burritos and tacos and replace the meat with vegetable options. Asking the hostess prior to seating is ideal when you are unsure about substitutions.

Last but not least, if you end up eating at a less than ideal clean eating restaurant, hit the salad section of the menu.  All-you-can-eat restaurants will also offer salad bars where you can eat endless amounts of fruits and vegetables!  As tempting as it might be, skip the dessert section when eating out.  It’s easy to get distracted by chocolate lava cakes and giant cookies when eating out.  Just  remain dedicated to your clean-eating habits and remember that the benefits of clean eating outweigh any desires to eat unhealthy! Head out on your family vacation without worry! Clean eating on the go isn’t as hard as it seems!