New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do
How to Enjoy Dining Out While Staying On Track: A Visit to Bodhi Kitchen
Happy New Year!
Today’s post is inspired by a recent experience that ties into both my personal health goals and my professional focus as a dietitian and educating y’all, the public.
This morning, my wife and I decided to kick off the year with a special brunch at Bodhi Kitchen in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware — thanks facebook for the suggestion. Their New Year’s Dim Sum Brunch caught my attention, and I thought, “Why not start the year with something delicious and rich?”
This experience reminded me of an important lesson that I’d like to share with y’all:
You can enjoy dining out—even at places that don’t scream “healthy eating”—without derailing your goals.
Here’s how I approached it, plus some tips you can use for your next dining adventure.
Setting Intentions for the New Year
For the first time in years, I’ve started tracking my food intake again. This isn’t about restriction (….yet) but about doing an honest audit of my habits; as over the past couple of years now, i’ve allowed myself to be a little more “liberal” with my calories and honestly been indulgent. My goal isn’t to overhaul everything at once but to build intention around my choices—one meal at a time.
Brunch at Bodhi Kitchen was the perfect test of this mindset. Dim sum brunch is inherently indulgent, but I saw it as an opportunity to enjoy myself for bringing in the new year while using it as a lesson on staying on track with my goals but without over doing the restrictions.
The key? Planning ahead.
The Key to Dining Out Successfully
One of the most common mistakes people make when dining out is assuming the food itself is the problem. It’s not. The real issue is often what you don’t do to prepare or balance your meals throughout the day. Here’s how I approached brunch at Bodhi to make it work:
Protein First: Knowing that the meal would be light on protein, I made a point to eat a protein-packed breakfast before heading out. A quick 30 grams of protein from eggs and farmer’s cheese set me up for success.
Track Your Meal (Even If It’s an Estimate): While at Bodhi, my wife and I split several dishes: shrimp toast, pork soup dumplings, spam musubi bao buns, and okonomiyaki. We estimated our half of the entire spread to be around 700 calories, with 24 grams of protein, 20–30 grams of fat, and about 75 grams of carbs.
Beware of Hidden Calories in Drinks: My eyes always loves a great cocktail and the one I enjoyed—”Kusco’s Poison”—turned out to be a whopping 300 calories, nearly half the meal (thanks to the coconut milk)! While alcohol can fit into your day, it’s important to track it, as those calories add up quickly.
Portion Control: Sharing the meal with my wife was another intentional choice. It allowed us to enjoy multiple dishes without overindulging.
Why Protein Matters
One of the biggest lessons I want to share is the importance of prioritizing protein, especially when dining out. Many restaurant meals are low in protein and high in fats and carbs, which can throw off your intake if you’re not mindful. Getting enough protein is essential for maintaining muscle, especially if you’re working on body composition goals.
Supporting Local Favorites
As a dietitian based in Sussex County, Delaware, I also want to highlight the incredible food scene here. Bodhi Kitchen’s brunch is a must-try, offering a unique menu that’s both creative and satisfying. If you’re in the Lewes or Rehoboth Beach area, make it a point to check them out—you won’t regret it!
Final Thoughts
Dining out doesn’t have to feel like a setback. With a little planning, mindful choices, and an emphasis on balance, you can enjoy the foods you love while staying aligned with your goals.
For me, starting the year with an intentional and delicious meal at Bodhi Kitchen felt like the perfect way to set the tone for 2024.
Whether you’re local to Delaware or exploring ways to enjoy your favorite meals more mindfully, remember: it’s not about perfection—it’s about making choices that work for you.
