Eating out has always been one of my favorite pleasures in life. For me, food is not only about nourishment, but also about the experience, the environment, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Over the past four months, I have been on a personal journey of eating healthier, and while I still love restaurants, my approach to food has changed significantly. I have been following a diet that emphasizes balance, portion control, and healthier choices — mostly salads, chicken, and fish. And I can proudly say that during this time I have lost around five kilos.
This does not mean that I have deprived myself of food I love. Instead, I have learned to balance my diet with discipline and little rewards. After all, eating out is also about happiness, and sometimes happiness means giving yourself permission to enjoy a delicious kebab!
The Beauty of Healthy Plates
Most of the time, when I dine out, my order leans toward grilled chicken or fish paired with fresh salads. I usually prefer simple ingredients: leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sometimes corn or carrots. For flavor, I stick to light dressings such as olive oil or pomegranate molasses. These salads are refreshing, colorful, and satisfying in their own way.
What I enjoy most about salads is their versatility. They can be light yet filling, and they give me the comfort of knowing that I am staying true to my health goals. Pairing them with grilled fish or chicken not only makes the meal more enjoyable but also ensures that I get enough protein to stay energized throughout the day.
When I look at my plate filled with fresh vegetables and lean protein, I feel proud of the choices I am making. Eating this way has also made me more mindful. I eat slower, I taste every bite, and I notice the freshness of the ingredients more than ever before.
The Challenge of Eating Out on a Diet
That being said, eating out while dieting does come with its own challenges. Salads, while delicious and healthy, are often served as a single plate. They rarely come with the abundance that traditional restaurant meals do. When I order a salad, it feels like a light, solitary dish — one plate and nothing more.
In contrast, when I go out for kebab, the experience is completely different. The table fills up with colorful mezes: grilled vegetables, yogurt dips, fresh herbs, and different types of salads. Even before the main dish arrives, the richness of the spread creates an atmosphere of generosity. Eating becomes a full experience, not just a meal.
This difference is something I notice every time. A salad may be healthier, but a kebab feast brings joy to the table in a way that feels more festive. That is why I occasionally treat myself to it.
A Special Day with Liver Kebab
One of the meals I missed the most during my diet was liver kebab. Liver is a dish I grew up enjoying, and the flavor always brings back memories of tradition and family. Recently, I went out with a friend to enjoy liver kebab, and it was an incredible experience.
As expected, the table was quickly filled with plates of mezes — enough to satisfy you before the main course even arrived. From grilled peppers to fresh parsley salad, every side dish was packed with flavor. Then came the liver itself, perfectly grilled with tomatoes and onions. The taste was rich, smoky, and comforting.
Eating it after so many weeks of sticking to lighter meals felt like a reward I had truly earned. Sharing that meal with a friend made it even more special, because food always tastes better when enjoyed together.
Why I Don’t Regret Choosing Salads
Even though kebabs are delicious and festive, I don’t regret my salad-focused choices. Losing five kilos over the past four months has been a great motivation to continue. I feel lighter, healthier, and more energetic. More importantly, I have realized that healthy eating does not mean giving up joy. It simply means creating balance.
I still get to enjoy all the flavors I love — grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, fish, and even kebab from time to time. What matters is not perfection, but consistency. By choosing salads most of the time and treating myself occasionally, I am able to enjoy both worlds: health and happiness.
** My Final Thoughts**
Eating out is one of life’s pleasures, and I believe it should never be about restriction alone. For me, it has become about balance. Whether I am sitting by a beautiful view with a plate of grilled fish and vegetables, or laughing with a friend over a generous kebab spread, I am learning to appreciate food in new ways.
This journey has taught me that food is not just fuel for the body, but also nourishment for the soul. With every healthy choice I make, I feel proud. With every indulgent meal I enjoy, I feel alive. And somewhere between the two lies the balance that keeps me motivated to continue my journey.
So here’s to many more healthy salads, delicious kebabs, and wonderful memories made while eating out!