How to Use Weight Loss Strategies When Dining Out

Sure you like to dine out every now and again. However, if you are on a diet and watching your weight, it can be pretty scary. If you think you are eating a healthy meal, you may be shocked to discover the sabotage that is sitting on your plate. That hearty breakfast may have more calories than you need for an entire day! Not to mention what is served up for lunch and dinner. That is why you need strategies for when your plate contains enough food for 3 meals rather than 1.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Tell your server how you like your food prepared. If you want your salad dressing on the side or if you prefer your food grilled, steamed or cooked without oil, make sure your server or waitress knows this and writes it down.
2. Ask your server to give you more vegetables to replace the potato on your plate. Many restaurants allow for special requests to make changes to the sides of your dinner order. So go for the vegetables, preferably green ones.
3. Ask for your sauces on the side, as well as dressings. This way you are in control of how much sauce is put on your meat or pasta. Ask for lemon wedges and squeeze them into your meal. It addes great flavor to your meal without adding calories.
4. Request a take-home box. Ask your server to bring it to you with your meal, not after. Cut your meal in half and put it into the box before you begin eating. You'll save on calories and have lunch the following day. This allows you to enjoy your meal twice but taking on the calories in 2 meals rather than 1.
5. Request romaine lettuce instead of iceberg in your salad. This isn't so much for calorie counting, as both have the same calories. This is a nutrition secret. Romaine provides more nutrition and healthy benefits to your diet.
6. Drink plenty of water with a lemon wedge for taste. Order iced tea without sugar and drink it before your order arrives. This will help fill you up without adding calories.
7. Avoid bread. Tell your server not to bring any bread or butter out. Once it is on the table it is easy to eat hundreds of calories before your dinner arrives. If you honestly want to have bread, ask for whole wheat rather than white.

Tips & Warnings

• It is better to eat your burgers open-face and ask for broiled fish instead of breaded.