Melanie a professional dietitian on her blog Dietriffic, has a great post: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Eating Out. This post really struck home for me and I wanted to point it out because it she offers some great suggestions to take the “fool” out of eating out. Her blog also has other great posts so go check it out when you have the time.
I used to struggle a LOT when ever I faced going out to eat. Eating out can be such a nightmare and very stressful, and that can be an added stress for the whole family too.
I used to HATE eating out and I’d be so stressed out I’d be almost in tears over it – why? Because I didn’t trust myself, I was scared I would over indulge and then blow my healthy eating plan (and be a FOOL), which in the past led to being off track for days – weeks – and beyond because I would beat myself up over “cheating”. But this made me and my family miserable.
NOW – I am prepared – I know the local restaurants and what I will order (for example: I LOVE Panera’s salmon salad only 352 calories, the local diner offers any time of day egg white omelets with veggies and I get sliced tomato on side) – so when the family wants to go out, we go some where I can just relax and enjoy what I know I can have. I can even occasionally handle The Chinese buffet my hubby and daughter enjoy – I just fill up on the salad bar (greens and fresh veggies) and bring my own low fat, low calorie dressing. For dessert I have a little fish or chicken with some veggies – I keep the portions small because I know it has probably been cooked in oil or butter.
If we are on vacation or out for the day – I bring water, Extend protein bars, apples and plain air popped popcorn – so I don’t GET HUNGRY! When we eat out I have a BIG plain salad first (dressings are often high in calories) or I add just a little oil and vinegar. Then I have a nice fish or chicken (steamed or baked) dish with a veggie (NO oil or butter) – ask and the restaurants are very accommodating. I usually get salmon or fish since I really like these but don’t make them that often at home so it’s a real treat. This way I’m not hungry, and I’m enjoying myself – what a combo! If the family gets deserts I get a cup of coffee or diet soda – and I may have a small bite or two of their desert. But I do it CONSCIOUSLY and savor it and enjoy it – and I don’t beat myself up over it!
KEYS TO SUCCESS – be prepared, don’t go out to eat hungry! Don’t be a fool, eat for fuel but still enjoy yourself!
Health and Diet Tips
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Currently Diet Pulpit is rarely updated. Lady Rose is now blogging at Blissful Moon, where she is staying healthy and continuing to have adventures, please stop by and visit.
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