How To Eat Healthy When Eating Out
You’ve finally gotten into a workout routine, you are eating well, and you are beginning to see some changes in your body. But, then friends ask you out to dinner. Obviously, you want to go. You haven’t seen them in awhile and it would be really nice to have an evening away from the kids. But, then you kind of freak out asking yourself; “What am I going to eat? I’ve worked really hard and don’t want to lose the progress and momentum that I’ve gained.”
Well, assuming that you won’t be eating at a fast-food joint or pizza parlor, here are some strategies for eating well and stay on track with your fitness goals when eating out.
#1. Meat & Veggies.
Skip the pasta and the cream sauces and order grilled fish, chicken, steak, or pork. Then for your sides, order steamed veggies and a salad with the dressing on the side.
#2. Pass on the Bread.
We’ve all had that time where we were so hungry that we eat all the bread and then aren’t hungry when our meal comes. So just tell the waiter to skip the bread basket altogether, or if your friends want bread have them leave just enough for them.
#3. Skip Dessert.
Okay if you’re at a restaurant that is world-renown for their desserts go a head and have it, but just count it as one of your weekly splurges. Otherwise skip these sugar-laden treats that usually end up leaving you disappointed, not feeling well, and full of regret for eating so many empty calories.
#4. Drink Slowly.
Tomorrow you will regret having drank so much wine, not just because of the extra calories, but also because of the pounding headache and two screaming kids you now have to deal with. Ordering a drink before dinner is fine and a great way to relax into the night. Having three at the bar while you wait for your table, another before dinner, and then hanging out after for one more bottle of wine is a recipe for disaster. Not only will you end up consuming more calories than you wanted too, but you also will again tomorrow as you binge on comfort foods because you don’t feel well. So drink slowly, drink some water between drinks, and enjoy the conversation.
#5. Enjoy the Conversation.
Put down your phone, stop logging what you are eating, and talk to the people you are having dinner with. Talking will force you to eat slower and get fuller sooner, resulting in eating less calories.
You don’t have to eat every meal at home, or sit in your cubicle eating home cooked food out of Tupperware for lunch to stay lean. Use the tips above and you will stay on track.
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