Lose Weight Using These Easy Dining Out Tips!
By Gail M. Davis | August 11, 2008
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Would you benefit from dining out tips designed to help you make wise food choices? The National Restaurant Association reports that American restaurants bring in a total of 500 billion dollars in sales annually! Imagine what that figure must be worldwide! With grocery prices soaring, the majority of mothers working outside of the home, and so many people working long hours and living hectic lives, is it any wonder that we don’t cook anymore?
The growing obesity epidemic and other health-related issues don’t seem to be keeping people out of restaurants, therefore we’re going to have to learn how to make healthy choices when dining out. Just follow these quick and easy dining out tips to help you make wise choices and you will be successful on your weight loss journey.
The worst thing you can do is arrive at the restaurant famished. Don’t starve yourself all day in anticipation of your night out. Eat on your regular schedule but eat light. If your hunger is off the charts, eat a small salad before leaving home or eat a cup of soup before you order the rest of your meal.
It’s important to plan out your meal, at least in general terms, before arriving at the restaurant. You may not know the exact menu, but you’ll be able to guess your options. Think about all the courses, from appetizers to dessert. Come up with a plan and stick to it when you arrive.
Split a meal with your dining companion or order an appetizer as your meal. Save money and have room for dessert. If that’s not an option for you then eat half and carry the other half home.
Dressings and sauces should be brought on the side so that you can control the amount. Dip your fork and notice that a little goes a long way. Avoid fried foods. Instead, order items that are “broiled”, “grilled”, or “roasted.” High-sodium foods are sometimes advertised as “teriyaki” or “smoked”, and high fat items are frequently called “breaded”, “sauteed”, “scalloped”, or “creamed.”
One of the most important dining out tips is to limit your alcohol intake. If you must have a drink, order one glass of wine or one cocktail. These tend to be “empty calories” and when you drink, you’re less likely to stick to your plan. If you must have dessert, order one and share it with your dining companions.
It’s a good dining out tip to ask the waiter to hold the breadbasket or chip basket. If that’s not possible due to the wishes of your companions, then stick to your plan. One piece of bread without butter or a half dozen chips with salsa would be more than sufficient.
Remember that it takes your stomach 20 minutes to realize it has had enough, so slow down your eating process! Eat slowly and really enjoy each bite. Put down your fork and wait a minute between bites. Focus on the conversation instead of your food. Be aware of your hunger and stop eating when you’re no longer hungry. Don’t wait to be full!
At a buffet, use the salad-sized plates for your meal. Stay away from the salad bar with the exception of the fresh lettuce that you fix yourself. No creamy dressings! Don’t load your salad up with croutons, sunflower seeds, and cheese. Add only vegetables or beans. The other “salads” are loaded with fat and calories. Stay away from them. Choose meat from the carving station and add some vegetables. Allow yourself one small dessert.
Topics: Lose Weight |
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