After a lot of preparing for the big Thanksgiving holiday meal and eating leftovers for a few days after, I want to go out to eat. It doesn't have to be fancy, a diner or our local italian or sushi is perfect. To some people, going out for dinner is a treat - a chance to get dressed up and enjoy foods that you wouldn’t have at home. To others, it is a way of life as they are always dining out. Whatever your situation, “eating out” can be tricky, especially if you are trying to either #1) lose weight or #2) maintain your weight. Personally, I find this to be especially challenging now as the holiday season is here and I find that I am out more.
Not surprisingly, this is a topic that I discuss often with my clients and I will share with you some tips on how to eat healthy (and perhaps eat less) while dining out.
#1) Drink plenty of water!
Not only can it help to fill you up, but water is great for your metabolism.
#2) Plan ahead!
If you fail to plan then you plan to fail. If you know ahead of time that you are going out for a big dinner then don’t eat so heavy throughout the day (watch your portion size). You should still have well balanced meals and snacks (that includes a lean protein, a high fiber carb and a healthy fat). Additionally, it’s not a crazy idea to have a look at the menu before you go. I like surprises that are tied up in pretty boxes (to my husband, if you are reading this, and you should be, this is a blatant hint!). But, I don’t like to be surprised regarding what I am going to order. Looking ahead prevents impulse ordering.
#3) Take it slow!
Enjoy the company you are dining with. Use this social situation to talk and make conversation before reaching for the bread basket. If you were starved before dinner, have a small healthy snack so that when you get to your destination you are not ravenous. And if you are dining alone for the nite, and you want someone to talk to, it’s fun to dine at the bar so you can make conversation and enjoy your time out.
#4) Special order.
I like to be discreet and tell the waiter that I want sauce on the side and I would like the chef not to use too much salt, oil or butter when preparing my food (this pretty much kills my husband, but hey, after 21 yrs, he ought to know that this is how I roll!). This is perfectly acceptable and you can save many calories.
#5) Portion Control
I suggest you exercise control not only at a restaurant but at a cocktail party and at a buffet. It always amazes me at how big restaurant portions. I know you hate the feeling of being stuffed after a meal, so you CAN control how much you eat by either ordering an appetizer as your main course, sharing a meal or asking the waiter to only bring ½ so you can take home for another nite.
For more information on how to eat healthy while dining out, contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com
