One of the most significant barriers to eating well is being persuaded, tempted, and thrown off by dining out at restaurants, eating out with friends, or going to a restaurant with unhealthy meal options.
Here is your guide to successfully dining out!
The first thing is to list what high-risk situations tempt you the most.
Are you particularly going to Mcdonald’s after work after a long day at the office?
Are you bored?
Are you constantly going to social outings?
What are your top 3 high-stake situations, and what are your normal tendencies with these situations? Then write about how to manage your future better when those situations arise.
What to do when eating at a restaurant?
- Call the restaurant and ask about their menu and low-fat options.
- Eat a snack before going to a restaurant.
- Drink lots of water before eating out.
- When you eat out, try a healthier appetizer like a salad to fill you up before the main dish.
- Eat a smaller portion by splitting with a friend.
- Skip the chips, bread, soda, cheese, or fat if possible.
Fast-food Alternatives
Take Out Tricks
- Adjust your order and see if the restaurant will accommodate your requests; you can ask for less oil or half the sauce.
- Avoid eating one dish in one sitting, or put your order on a small plate. Aim to eat the rest of it for lunch the next day!
- Look for veggies in any takeout.
- For pizza, use meat toppings sparingly or select a thin crust option.
Summary
Listen, dining successfully is hard, and it will take a lot of practice to get it right.
Remember, the most important thing is to be prepared, make healthy habits part of your celebration, don’t deny yourself too much, and still enjoy your food!
Lastly, focus on the people, not the food. You can drink water or eat snacks before and ask for healthier items on the menu when you dine out.
These tips will help you stay on track. Remember, little tweaks can create an avalanche effect to start tweaking your plans even further. Have fun and happy training!
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