Dining out

Dining out is usually a challenge when you're on a diet.   I would suggest waiting until you're pretty well settled into your weight loss plan before you attempt that first night at a restaurant, but sometimes, that's not possible.  

The best thing to do when you go out is to have a plan.  Many restaurants have websites that include their menus.  Before you go, check out the website, read the menu and decide what you'll have (remember, we're thinking health).   If you take the time to really look, I'm sure you can find something that will work well with your new lifestyle.  

Look for grilled chicken or fish.  A lot of the time, grilled fish is served topped with herb butter.  Ask for the butter on the side so you can control how much goes on the fish.  Same with sauces.  Try to choose a dish that doesn't have a heavy sauce, but if you must have that, get it on the side.  The more you can control, the better.

Many restaurants will also take requests.  Have it your way is NOT just for Burger King.  Ask if your veggies can be steamed instead of sauteed, or if the chicken in the chicken parm can be grilled instead of breaded and fried, or if your pasta can be whole wheat.  And, just for the record, it IS possible to eat a baked potato without a ton of butter and/or sour cream.  You can even ask what fat free or low fat options you have for salad dressing.  You can even call ahead and ask if there are fat free or low fat dressings available.  If there aren't, bring your own in a small container.

If you're serious about changing your life and getting healthy, you won't have a problem.  Most of it is common sense.  You know to either stay away from the bread, or limit how much of it you eat.  Instead of putting on a huge glob of butter, use only a small amount, or none at all.   Have steamed veggies instead of sauteed or smothered in sauce.  Go for the baked potato instead of the fries or the garlic mashed potatoes.   In other words, try to stick with food that won't make you feel guilty after you eat it.

You also need to be aware that most restaurants have giant portions.  A good trick is to ask for a to go container when your food is brought to the table.  Split your dinner in half and pack up one half immediately.  Out of sight, out of mind.   

Appetizers and desserts can be shared.  If there's a salad bar, indulge!  Filling up on lettuce never made anyone fat (not that I know of, anyway).    The trick is to go in with a plan and stick to it.  The more you read a menu, the more you'll want the gooey stuff.  


Then again, if you know you'll be going out with friends, you can eat healthy all week and use this night as your cheat night.  Just take a good, long walk the next day!!!!