How to Keep Your Resolutions While Dining Out
Whether it's to drink less or eat healthier, here are some tips to start 2025 off more mindful
Happy New Year and welcome to 2025.
A new year comes with the ability to start fresh. Many of us have made resolutions around leading a more mindful and healthful life. According to the Austin American-Statesman, people's second most popular resolution is to eat healthier (right behind saving more money).
Another popular resolution is to drink less (or cut out) alcohol consumption, with many observing “Dry January”, where they will abstain from drinking for a month to reset their bodies or try a test run at sobriety.
The third popular food-related resolution is to reduce or eliminate consuming animal products. Some may eat vegetarian or pescatarian, cut out certain proteins like pork or beef, or go completely vegan.
No matter what resolutions you’ve made, we’ve asked some industry professionals for their tips to help keep your resolutions and make 2025 a success.
Choosing to be More Healthy When Dining Out
Most of us want to eat more mindfully and make healthy choices, but that’s not so easy when ordering at a restaurant. Jeff Carcara, CEO of Sixty Vines restaurant wants you to know that staying health-conscious doesn’t have to be a challenge. “The key is choosing dishes that are simply prepared and highlight natural ingredients. A grilled fish paired with seasonal vegetables is a perfect example—flavorful, satisfying, and free of heavy sauces.”
Carcara encourages diners to have a conversation with their servers or even the chef when it comes to menu questions or dietary restrictions. “Guests should feel comfortable asking their server about preparation methods. Restaurants value thoughtful questions and take pride in creating experiences that align with what guests truly want."
Cutting Down or Eliminating Alcohol
If you’re cutting back or eliminating alcohol from your life, you can still have a social outing to your favorite restaurant.
Mickey Mullins, Head Bartender at The Bower in New Orleans says that more and more bars and restaurants now stock quality non-alcoholic spirits and mixers. “Don’t hesitate to ask, ‘What are your non-alcoholic options?’ or, ‘Can you make a mocktail inspired by your signature cocktails?’. At the Bower, Mullins always offers a few non-alcoholic versions of its bestselling cocktails. “Although you may be using Dry January as a time to detox, venture out of your typical flavor palette by trying ingredients like fresh herbs, or unique sodas—you might discover something you love that you’d never think to try.”
Ben Potts, co-owner of Miami’s the Sylvester and Unfiltered Hospitality partner, says he participates in Dry January to reset for the new year. “My job, literally, is to be very familiar with alcohol and this allows me to take a break. I can appreciate the flavors in cocktails more upon my return.”
Potts says that most establishments with a quality cocktail program will have thoughtfully-placed non-alcoholic cocktails. The bar professional also suggests ordering drinks with the same flavor profile as your go-to cocktail. “I drink Gin Rickeys, so I’ll order a soda with lime, but not just a squeeze of lime — I’ll ask for full-on a half ounce of lime juice.” Potts also enjoys Heineken Zero, adding, “I’ll drink that all day.” Companies like Lyres that distribute non-alcoholic versions of “spirits” are also helpful. “They have a great Aperol spritz equivalent,” he says.
Potts also suggests treating your NA “mocktail” with the same respect and ritual that you would any fine cocktail. “Glassware counts. Don’t drink out of a plastic cup. Garnish your drink. Make sure the care is there and the only thing removed from your experience is the alcohol.”
Veganuary — and Beyond
January is also a month for eliminating meat from your diet. Most restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options on their menus, so you don’t have to settle for a plate of steamed broccoli while your friends are indulging. Again, the key is to communicate your preferences with your server or a manager if you’re dining out.
If you’re planning to cook at home, stock up on plenty of veggies along with lentils, tofu, chickpeas, tempeh, and mushrooms which can be used to mimic the taste and texture of many animal-based dishes. Nutritional yeast can mimic the tanginess of cheese, and soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs can add life and zest to your dishes.
The site Veganuary.com offers plenty of tips and recipes to help you in your journey.