As the holiday season gets into full swing, the dining out invitations are aplenty, and for dieters or those wanting to lose weight, this can be an absolute nightmare. While you don't want to lock yourself in your home during November through to January, here are some helpful tips to make ordering in restaurants easier.
Lose the bread basket
Warm fresh bread can be very tempting, so it is in your best interests to say no the bread basket. If you think you can have it on your table while refraining, think again. It is best to remove it altogether so you can enjoy yourself without the added temptation.
Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers:
- To reach our AZ Clinics, call 602-374-7226 (2 Clinics in Mesa and Phoenix)
- To reach our NM Clinics, call 505-888-9575 (3 Clinics in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe) or 575-222-4994 (Las Cruces)
- To reach our TX Clinic, call 214-296-0269 (Dallas)
- Or visit us online to schedule an appointment: http://fitmedicalweightloss.com/
Plan ahead
Rather than be surprised on the day or evening of the event, take the time to reach out to the restaurant in advanced. Ask to see their menu or speak to the chef about more healthy alternatives, so you are educated even before you sit down. This will reduce some of the stress in having to make off the cuff decisions.
On the side
Ask for dressings and sauces on the side so you can control how much of them you eat. There is nothing worse than suffering guiltily through a dressing-laden salad when this one small request could make a huge difference. Don't be afraid to speak up; restaurants get requests like this all of the time.
Make substitutions
Forego the rice, pasta, chips, and potatoes and ask that they be substituted for another vegetable or a small serving of salad. Creatively mixing and matching will ensure you get the meal that will satisfy you and meet your health requirements.
Stick with appetizers
Full-size meals in many restaurants can be huge often serving up enough food for two people. Order wisely and stick to appetizer size dishes that will satisfy without overfilling. There is nothing worse than feeling like you overate just because you didn't want to see food going to waste.
Drink up
Drink water before during and after your meal so you are full and won't order anything out of habit. It will ensure you eat fewer calories and don't overindulge in sugar. Feel free to switch it up with a diet soft drink in the middle of your meal, so you don't feel like you are totally depriving yourself.
Eat Mindfully
When your meal comes, avoid the rush to dig straight in. Take your time to enjoy the smell and the look of your meal. Take a mouthful and enjoy it. Pause. Have a drink of water and then take another mouthful. If you eat it quickly, you will be wondering where it has gone and not enjoy the full experience mindful eating can bring.
Skip Dessert
While it is nice to enjoy something after a meal, consider skipping dessert and enjoying a warm cup of tea or coffee instead. It will allow you to enjoy the company of your friends for longer without feeling the need to order dessert just because everyone else is.
Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers:
- To reach our AZ Clinics, call 602-374-7226 (2 Clinics in Mesa and Phoenix)
- To reach our NM Clinics, call 505-888-9575 (3 Clinics in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe) or 575-222-4994 (Las Cruces)
- To reach our TX Clinic, call 214-296-0269 (Dallas)
- Or visit us online to schedule an appointment: http://fitmedicalweightloss.com/