Lots of people who are trying to lose weight will avoid visiting restaurants at all costs, finding it the easiest way to avoid temptations, from all you can eat menus, bread baskets and simply delightful pudding menus. This is an unrealistic approach to weight loss and actually proven to be completely unnecessary, all you need to do is have a game plan. I have given some tips below on how to eat sensibly while dining out.
Set a budget. Determine how much you’re willing to eat before looking at the menu. Putting in gym time or going for a run will help offset a little extra eating, but remember, be flexible. You can loosen up a bit on special occasions, as long as you eat carefully most of the time.
Stay in control. Decide on some guidelines before you go to a restaurant, and stick to them. For example:
- Skip the all-inclusive options and order a set meal. Doing so might not be as economical, but you’ll probably eat less.
- Take one piece of bread, and ask for the bread basket to be removed from temptation.
Don’t be shy. You’re paying good money for that meal, so you’re entitled to make special requests or slight modifications, and most restaurants are happy to make smaller changes.
- Can I have that without butter? Grilled? With the sauce on the side?
- Could I have Salad or Steamed Vegetables instead of fries or chips?
Practice portion control. Some restaurant portions can be three times the “normal” size. Keep your portions in check by:
- Ordering a salad as a starter and then splitting a main dish with a friend.
- Creating your own scaled-down meal from a couple of appetizers and/or side dishes.
- Order a child’s sized meal.
Watch out for extras. The average burger with ketchup, lettuce and tomato isn’t so bad. But one with “the works” is usually a calorific nightmare.
Don’t go top heavy. Salad bars and garden salads grace menus across the country.
- Go light on croutons, grated cheese and bacon bits.
- Opt for small amounts of low-fat or non fat dressings on the side.
Don’t drink away your progress. A drink with dinner is fine, Keep your appetite under control by:
- Alternating alcoholic beverages with soda water or mineral water.
- Not drinking alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach.
Eat slowly and know when you are full.
- Pushing your plate away when you’re full.
- Remember to eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your body to recognize that it’s full.
- If you are at an all you can eat buffet restaurant take smaller portions you can always go back.
Following these guidelines will help you to enjoy a nice meal out and not compromise your healthy eating plan. Remember a little bit of what you fancy, does you good! If you can stick to the guidelines for the meal then you can always have a smaller dessert or share a pudding as a treat.
Tracy
I’m 34 year old Mum of two amazing children, aged 9 and 7, currently working for Voucher Codes Pro, writing articles and blog posts. I love life and try to be the best I can at all I do. Sometimes I even manage it!
