“Dining Out 101: Ordering Smart Without Feeling Restricted”

Jack loved going to restaurants but always felt confused about what to order. “How can I eat what I love but also feel healthy?” he wondered. One day, his older cousin took him out for lunch. She told him, “You can eat what you like but just make a few smart choices.” At the restaurant, Jack learned to look at the menu for healthy options that he would enjoy. He chose a grilled chicken salad instead of a burger, but added a side of fries to still have a treat. His cousin taught him about asking for dressing on the side and choosing water instead of soda. Jack was surprised to find that he didn’t feel restricted at all. He enjoyed his meal and still felt good afterward. “Dining out doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your food,” his cousin said. “It’s about finding balance.” Jack learned that he didn’t have to skip the fun of eating out to feel healthy. He could have what he loved and still make good choices. Jack felt satisfied, happy, and proud of how he balanced enjoyment with feeling good inside!