Ways to Diet While Eating Out

Dieting and eating out don’t belong in the same sentence, do they? Last
minute changes in an already  packed schedule land us in a restaurant,
or driving through for fast food. . .making watching your weight almost
impossible. But is it?

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ESV

We’re not alone. Most Americans eat out half of the time, or a minimum
of four times per week. Dieting is hard. It begs us to take a break. If
not that, crazy schedules will drive us to eating at restaurants full
of unhealthy choices. So, what does a person do?

Today, I’d like to share a few strategies / tips with you to make
dining out manageable. It is possible to eat out and still lose weight.

First, let me encourage you with a fact I learned from the Reader’s
Digest book “Change One.” According to them, it takes 3,500 calories to
gain one pound. Even with the enormous portions some restaurants dish
up, the high-ranking meals contain a full day’s calories (1,800 for
most males). The danger is not to slide back into old habits.

It’s important to decide ahead. Be intentional. The following
strategies and tips can help tremendously.

Three strategies to FOCUS on:

1. Planning ahead.
Looking at a menu online ahead of time is valuable. While it
doesn’t show serving sizes, it gives you an idea of healthier choices.
2. Keeping an eye on portion sizes.
3. Monitoring hunger and fullness signals.

REMEMBER:
– not all tips will work with every diet, but many can be applied.
– you’re still in control at the table.

TIP: If you eat out often, make a list of diet friendly places in which
to choose.

TIP: Avoid salad bars with their high-calorie dressings, cheese, and
pasta salads, as well as buffets, unless you have an iron will, in
which case you wouldn’t be on a diet.

TIP: Keep a visual in your mind for your serving sizes. For example,
tennis ball, half a tennis ball, thumb size, CD, wallet, etc.

TIP: Stretch a meal by ordering a side of steamed veggie’s to stir in a
sauce or rice. Gives you extra fiber.

TIP: broth-based soups have the fewest calories, but bean and pea soups
are more satisfying and last longer. Skip those with chowder or ones with cheese.

TIP: Look for grilled, broiled, or roasted meats.

TIP: Beware of dieter’s plates. Hamburgers often have fewer calories.
Same can hold true with salads as a meal, unless removing cheese.

TIP: If several toppings exist, choose only one high-calorie topping,
and use sparingly.

TIP: Make meals from side dishes. Works well many places. For fun,
share a side with your friends so all can sample.

TIP: Ask server to skip the bread or chip basket and start the meal off
with a vegetable, if you’re hungry. A pitcher of water works wonders.

TIP: Choose the most colorful meal on the menu. Color equals healthy.

TIP: Dip into dressings and sauces to save calories.

TIP: Don’t be afraid to ask servers questions. See following examples.
1. What ingredients are in that dish?
2. What size of meat is that?
3. Could you order that without. . .?(chicken breast without
skin, no topping, etc.)
4. Could you saute that in olive oil instead of butter?
5. Cut my cheese in half, please, and add extra vegetables.
6. Can you serve half-portions, or put half in a carry-out tray
and bring out at the end of the meal? (don’t depend on your willpower
to eat only half)

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, anyone who hasn’t already
fallen off their diet might soon. Dieters must remember there are many
other special ways to celebrate love. . .special gifts and special
activities. More special tips on such occasions and other social events
is coming next week.

LET’S TALK. How many of these tips have you tried? Which ones were
successful? What other tips can you add? I LOVE hearing from you!

Have you subscribed to my blog yet so you won’t miss out on new
inspiring posts? I appreciate your taking time to read this and for
sharing it with your friends. Blessings.

© 2019, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.