|
Eating Out
How to Survive Without Blowing Your Diet and
Still Enjoy the Occasion!
So you're going out to eat and instead of
being happy and looking forward to this treat you are filled with panic
and angst - all those calories will throw all your good work out of the
window. It doesn't have to be like this. You are in control and this is
a treat you can enjoy! After all, this doesn't happen 90% of the time.
You can eat and drink what you want. Here are a few guidelines to steer you in
the right direction…
Eat What You Would Normally Eat Throughout the Day
Do not go without meals to make up for the evening
out. Starving yourself will cause you to binge and overeat. You can make
allowances over the week saving calories each day. Increase your
exercise; remember any form of physical exercise counts.
Back to top
Have A Light Snack Before Your Go Out
Having a light snack, such as toast, a banana or a low calorie yoghurt before you go out
will take the edge off hunger and stop
you gorging the minute you enter the restaurant.
Back to top
Order a Low-Calorie Aperitif —
Save the Alcohol for Later
Remember, alcoholic drinks are high in calories. Quench your
thirst with water or low calorie diet drinks, not alcohol. Try
making your wine a spritzer (a longer drink with lemonade), and
look out for low-calorie mixers.
Back to top
Be the First to Order on the Table
This
will stop you being swayed by others' choices. If you know which
restaurant you are going to, ask for a copy of the menu in advance – this will help you think ahead about your choice of
dishes.
Back to top
Starters, General
- Choose a clear soup - avoid the thick and creamy options. You can
eat the bread but leave out the butter!
-
Seafood, melon and grapefruit are good choices
-
Try to avoid rich dressings
-
A low-calorie starter will show you you are in control
Back to top
Main Meals, General
- Choose small
cuts of lean read meat
-
Chicken (grilled) and fish (grilled, poached, steamed) dishes are
good choices
-
Dishes which are fried, coated in breadcrumbs or pastry dishes
should be avoided
-
Order a jacket potato instead of chips
-
Order extra salads and vegetables
-
You can ask for dressings to be served separately
Back to top
Desserts, General
- Leave a little time for your food to digest before you order a
dessert. Give your stomach time to send signals to your brain you are
full (it takes about 20 minutes)
- Try a sorbet, a yoghurt dish, fruits or melon
Back to top
Remember
- There is no need for seconds
- If there are a lot of courses, you can skip one
- Try to leave some food on your plate; you will eat less. Just
because it's there doesn't mean you have to eat it!
- Eat slowly and enjoy the conversation. Put your knife and
fork down - allow your body time to digest.
This is a happy occasion and you can
enjoy it!
|
|
