Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Tips for eating out

It's almost the weekend and I'm sure you have a jam-packed agenda.  Meet friends for dinner, attend a BBQ, go to a wedding....so much to do!!  And, usually all these events include food (that is unhealthy) and empty-calorie cocktails, beer, and wine.  

Don't feel like you can't attend these fun events for the 21 days that you are following the 21-Day Fix!  You are on a health journey .... not in isolation!! 
To keep from having to stress every time you go out in public to a restaurant or an event here are some tips from Tosca Reno's Stripped book to keep you in check! 

PLANNING is best when you are out .... you always need a game plan.  You should avoid eating out as much as possible because once you enter a restaurant you surrender control over what is in your food.

1. Develop an "I don't have to eat it all!" Mindset. Make up your mind before you go that you don't have to get the most bang for your buck by cleaning your plate. KEEP YOUR GOAL IN MIND.


2. Satisfy hunger only-Don't Gorge. Eat for the purpose of satisfying your hunger, but no more. 


3. Start small and green. Start your meal with a salad, without dressing. Use a spritz of lemon or some balsamic vinegar. 


4. Broth is best. When there is no salad option have a broth based soup.


5. NO BREAD PLEASE! Remember this is not helping you achieve your 10 pound weight loss goal.


6. Clean Cooking techniques rock! Look for entree options featuring steamed or raw veggies and grilled, baked or roasted meats or fish. If they aren't listed, ask the server to prepare it that way. Oh and don't always trust the low fat or fat free symbols. 


7. Portion control is in. Have a good look at your plate when it arrives. Ask for a doggie bag and split your meal in half.


8. Fletcherize. The practice of chewing each mouthful a min of 25 times. It gives your body a chance to recognize when you are becoming full. 


9. Zero Tolerance. You want to avoid alcohol because sugar can derail you in the most powerful way. Have sparkling water with lemon or lime slices.  


10. Stop before the end. Think of your plan to shed those pounds, if you can't resist something sweet ask for a dish of fresh fruit and leave it at that!


If you doubt your ability to resist restaurant offerings then pre-eat! Then when you go to a restaurant or social event you don't have to worry about what's on the menu and you can focus on socializing.

Some other tips:

1. DESSERT: If you can't resist the dessert table then pack a few clean cookies in a Ziploc bag and pull them out with your coffee while everyone else is eating their sugar laden cookies and cake. 

2. FAST FOOD: If you have to go through a drive through, familiarize yourself with the menu. Never super size and make smart food choices by ordering grilled chicken and a side salad. Cut up the chicken and place on salad and go with olive and vinegar dressing or, low fat balsamic. 

3. SUPPORT: One of the most difficult things to manage while following a healthy lifestyle is your social life. So surround yourself with family and friends that support what you are doing and are not sabotaging your efforts. Instead of going out drinking or to a restaurant here are some alternatives.

Meet a friend at the gym

Have a game night at home with healthy clean snacks

Meet at the park for a walk 

Take a Zumba class with friends 

Hope these tips help!  

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