11 Rules For Eating Out While You Are On Weight Loss
When you decide to go on a diet, you are fully aware that things are not going to be easy. This is especially valid for eating out, as there are numerous temptations that you might give into. In an effort to help you out, we have gathered a number of rules that you should follow, whenever you are eating out. These rules can help you have a healthy and satisfying meal, without feeling like you are making too big of a sacrifice. Moreover, they allow you to keep a careful watch over your calorie intake so that you reach your weight loss objective effortlessly.
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#1 Check out the menu before you go to the restaurant
This is very much like detective work, but it can help you stick to your diet. In fact, even the best diet plan requires a lot of research, so this should be right up your alley. Use the Internet and check out the menu, before you go to the restaurant, making sure that they have healthy dishes, which correspond to your current dietary needs. Check out their salads, side dishes and other foods you might want to eat. When you get there, it will be easier to order, plus you will be 100% certain you are eating right.
#2 Sit at a quiet table
When making the reservation for the restaurant, make sure to request a quiet table. This will not only allow you to enjoy a meal in peace but, without any distractions, you will eat less and better. On the other hand, if you choose a window table or, worse, one that offers direct contact to a TV, don’t be surprised if you will eat more. Avoid tables that are placed in busy spots, as such an experience can do a lot of damage to your diet.
#3 Order first
If you are going out with a large group of friends, ask them politely to let you place your order first. In this way, you will definitely make the best choices, without being influenced by the foods your friends have ordered. Just because you are on a diet, you cannot ask others to avoid ordering certain meals. Knowing that you have already ordered a healthy meal can bring you comfort and help you avoid unhealthy temptations.
#4 Do not be afraid to ask questions about different dishes
Even if you are the first to order, do not be afraid to ask as many questions as it is necessary about the dishes included on the menu. Feel free to inquire about the cooking methods, the ingredients used and the caloric intake. Waiters should be able to provide such information on the spot, including details on side dishes, substitutions that can be made or portion size. Information is power, especially when you do not want to hurt your diet, by ordering the wrong dish.
#5 Special requests should be accepted
When most people visit a restaurant, they are afraid to make any special requests, and they just order the meal as in the menu. However, if you are on a diet, it might be in your best interest to make special requests. For example, you can ask for certain meals to be prepared with a reduced quantity of butter or oil. Or, you can request for low-caloric content in a salad or other meals. You can ask for a low-salt meal or for certain parts of the dish to be removed (such as carbs). A good restaurant should be able to accommodate such requests, without making you feel bad or uncomfortable.
#6 Read the menu with attention
Many menus have complicated names for otherwise simple dishes, so you can become easily confused and end up ordering meals that are not good for your diet. First of all, take your time to read the menu and do not order any meal, if you are not certain about what it entails. Once again, the waiter can be of valuable help, in explaining the different dishes and their origins.
#7 Do not ask for appetizers
While appetizers are often part of the restaurant-going experience, they also contain a lot of calories. Moreover, most of the appetizers are either loaded with too much fat or salt. There are no healthy appetizers, no matter how much you would like to think so. Stay away from rolls with butter, salsa and chips and other seemingly harmless appetizers. Stick with the main meal, and you will be just fine.
#8 Salads are always a great choice
If you are not sure what to get, but you want something healthy, a sure way to go is a salad. Salads are filled with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, allowing you to fill up and savor a nice meal at the same time. However, before ordering a salad, pay attention to the ingredients. Ingredients such as bacon or different types of cheese are high in calories. The same goes for dressings, particularly those that are made with heavy cream. Stick with vinaigrette; it is healthier and lower in calories.
#9 Pay attention to side dishes
Side dishes can be either good or bad. Discuss with the waiter about the different side dishes they have available, staying away from those with high-caloric content, such as French fries or onion rings. Opt for the steamed veggies or choose brown rice, as both are healthy choices and have a low-caloric intake to offer. Baked potatoes are also a great choice but without any heavy sauce or gravy. When you get home, you can support your diet with Pruvit Keto-OS; the weight loss product is actually a drink mix, which stimulates the ketosis process and helps you lose excess weight in a healthy manner.
#10 Go for grilled rather than fried
Just because you are on a diet, this doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy a dish that includes meat. However, once again, the key idea is to choose a healthy preparation method as well. When it comes to meat, grilled should always be preferred to fry. Also, pay attention to the dish and avoid meals with fatty meats, as they are not at all healthy.
#11 Portion size does matter
Many restaurants have generous portions, encouraging their customers to eat more than it is necessary. If you want to stay within the limits of your diet, it might be a good idea to share a dish with a friend or partner. You can also decide from the beginning how much you are going to eat, taking the leftovers at home. Portion size does matter, so make sure to pay attention to such matters.
These are a couple of rules that you should consider following whenever you are going out. These rules will help you stay away from temptations and yet enjoy a nice meal at the restaurant of your choice.