Eating Out! – 5 Healthy Tips

It’s one thing to stick with your diet regimen when you’re at
home, in control of the contents of your refrigerator and your
portion sizes. But what about going out to dinner with friends?
Worse, how do you stay on track when your dream vacation has you
seated by the dessert cart at every meal?

Eating right when you’re out of your comfort zone can actually
be easier than when you are at home, so long as you think smart
and plan ahead.

Getting in shape can be an arduous journey, and you should allow
yourself to celebrate along the way! However, celebrating
doesn’t mean two helpings of dessert. Instead, focus on these
simple tips to help you enjoy your dinners out on the town
without compromising your weight loss goals.

Tip 1: Daily Plan

Incorporate meals out like any others. Don’t skip meals
beforehand, setting yourself up to be starving, then overeat.
Plan. Don’t be afraid to call ahead and find out what the
specials are going to be and figure out a couple of choices, so
that you don’t stress out when you arrive and order foods that
are not the best options for your diet.

If the restaurant or event is going to serve you buffet-style,
again, call ahead to plan. If that’s not an option, here are a
couple ideas. First, ask someone with whom you’re comfortable
sharing your dietary concerns to help you. Tell him or her what
foods you can eat (or what you cannot eat) and ask the person to
fill a plate for you. Or second, walk up to the buffet table(s)
beforehand with no plate. Just take a casual stroll around and
see which foods are being served. Then decide if you would like
to ask someone else to place your selections on a plate for you
or if you would prefer to get them yourself.

Tip 2: Slow and Steady

First of all, use manners and eat slowly. Not only will this
help with your digestion, it slows your eating down so that you
don’t “gulp” and be a chow-hound, eating everything in sight.

If out with others, remember you are also there for socializing,
so talk between bites. Set your eating utensils down while you
chew. Have a sip of water between bites. The goal is not to see
how fast can you wolf down the food while someone else is
talking.

Tip 3: Avoid temptation

There is no law that says you must have a basket of bread,
butter and oil before a meal out. If it is on your table when
you are seated, request that it be brought back to the kitchen.

If your dinner mates are eager to start off with the carbs, then
order a glass of water and take a sip each time you are tempted
to break bread. Besides, you’ll want the time you would have
wasted buttering and dipping to spend reading the menu for
smart, sensible choices.

Don’t assume that you’ll be able to hold out on temptations
throughout the entire meal. Set yourself up for success when you
order by requesting they leave off the oils and sauces. Request
that your meat and vegetables be steamed, not fried. Order a
salad (with light or no dressing, on the side) or side of
veggies instead of fries or mashed potatoes.

Tip 4: Fill up on the good stuff

Drink plenty of water before you leave for the restaurant, and
while you wait for the food to arrive. This will help fill you
up and prevent hunger-inspired indulgences.

Request your salad (and/or soup, if it’s not creamy) be brought
out first, and dig in. By the time your food arrives, you should
be able to more rationally determine what portion sizes are
appropriate, and if anything needs to be avoided.

Tip 5: Dreaded desserts

First of all, do not order dessert until you are completely
finished with your meal. You may be full and not want anything.
And that’s certainly not a crime! After the meal, if everyone is
splurging on the dessert menu, keep in mind that you don’t have
to join in just to be part of the “gang.” Enjoy a cup of coffee
or tea to end your meal. Or ask someone to split a dessert with
you. Hint: Doggie bags can also be used for desserts! So split
it in half and take part home for another day or your neighbor.
You have to be left out of choosing a neat dessert, either. See
if the kitchen can put together a fruit bowl or a sorbet dish to
satisfy your cravings without putting all your conscientious
work at dinner to waste. This might be something to call ahead
about..hint!

With the right approach, eating out can be a pleasurable
experience. Remember, a successful diet is a lifelong lifestyle
modification. You need to be able to incorporate healthful
eating out activities into your routine.

What happens if you DO stress? Add extra activities to your
schedule. Swim some laps. Walk or jog. Leave your wallet in the
trunk and go to a mall for a shop-walk. Take a tour. Visit a
museum. Enjoy a park and feed the ducks. Just get out, focus on
something else and enjoy life.

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