A friend and I were having a discussion about maintaining one’s weight when you eat two meals daily in a restaurant. OK, we might also have mentioned a mutual acquaintance and said something about his weight. Strictly informational, not judgmental.
She suggested it was impossible to watch your weight when eating out all the time. I agree with “improbable” but not impossible.
One has to be mindful of two things. First, the restaurant is there to please you and does that through large portions and the triumvirate of salt, fat and sugar and, second, you have to care about your health.
So, eating healthy is no easy task when a delicious meal sits in front of you.
Here are 8 tips to keep in mind if you want to eat better when frequently (or even occasionally) dining out:
- Alcohol calories add up quickly
- Appetizers are often fat laden
- Appetizers used as an entree can help “right size” your portion
- Bread baskets/chips and such can be declined BEFORE they’re brought to your table
- Side dishes can make up your entire meal
- If there’s a convenient fridge post-meal, consider taking half your meal with you
- Salads can come to the table naked so you can decide how much dressing it needs
- Hot, broth-based soups serve to curb your appetite (assuming you’re paying attention)
The typical restaurant meal weighs in at about 1000 calories so you’ll want to contemplate YOUR calorie needs before placing your order. Deciding what you’ll eat before you enter the restaurant and even ordering without opening the menu are good strategies too.
What restaurant strategies do you use to be well?
Marcia
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