10 Tips for Eating Out

With the fall in full swing it really is the time that we seem to spend time with family and friends.

Halloween has come and gone, the nights are longer, but we are not quite into the ‘holiday’ mood yet. So we go out for dinner or drinks with no real occasion other than the great company. But, what does that do for those of us still trying to watch what we are eating?

  • Does that mean that we are bound to stay home?
  • Are we destined to eat only our pre measured, pre made, pre approved meals?
  • Or are we just not supposed to lose those pesky pounds.

Not necessarily.

As with most things, with a little prep, going out does not have to mean a huge leap off of the healthy eating train.

1. First of all, you need to give yourself permission to go out and enjoy yourself. We were not meant to do life alone.

2. Plan ahead if you can. If you know you are eating out this weekend, don’t eat like crazy all week. Ration some of your treats so that you can go out without worry.

3. Drink lots of water when you are out. Keeping your water consumption up keeps you fuller, so that you tend to snack less and helps to flush out what you end up putting in.

4. Have a workout that day and plan for one the next.

5. Pre eat. Make sure you don’t go out starving. Have a protein snack before you go. Chances are you are not going to eat right away and then you are more likely to make smarter choices.

6. Make a promise to yourself to stick to a plan. If you can ration your drinks, great. If you can commit to no dessert, even better.

7. If you know where you are going, check to see if their menu is on the web. If it is, do a little pre shopping. That way you can look to see what temptations you are up against and you can make a choice at home with no pressure and just enjoy the company you are with.

8. Don’t be afraid to order what’s not on the menu. Most restaurants will gladly make a few changes, salad instead of fries, bunless burger, dressing on the side, or veggies instead of potato.

9. Relax!! seriously relax. Studies have shown that you are more likely to put on weight because of ‘stress eating’. If you are going to go and indulge, then enjoy your time and get right back on program the next day. We don’t get fat from just one meal just like we don’t get thin from just one salad.

10. Time out with friends should be with people who are your support system. If they are truly your friends they should understand the journey you are on and should be supportive of your choices to not overindulge. Who knows, maybe others will join you in a little healthy eating.

There are only three things women need in life: food, water, and compliments. – Chris Rock

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