When you eat out, don’t feel like you have to finish everything on your plate. Restaurants often serve portions that are much larger than our bodies need for one meal. Instead of overeating, save some of the meat for leftovers and bring it home.

Take every opportunity to add more vegetables to your leftover meat.

One of the easiest ways is to keep a bag of prewashed broccoli in your refrigerator. Simply place the broccoli in a small pot or skillet with about ½ cup of water. Once the water begins to steam, cover the pot and steam the broccoli for just a couple of minutes. Avoid overcooking—it tastes best when it’s still slightly crisp, and a shorter cooking time helps preserve more of its nutrients. Season with a little salt and pepper, and it’s ready to serve.

Spinach is another excellent option. Simply sauté it with a little olive oil and chopped garlic for a quick, delicious side dish.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t overeat just because the restaurant serves a large portion.
• Bring leftovers home instead of finishing everything in one sitting.
• Transform your leftovers into a balanced meal by adding delicious, nutrient-rich vegetables.
• If you’re short on time, a quick salad is another easy and healthy addition.

Small, consistent choices like these can make a big difference in your long-term health.