How to Stick to Your Diet When Eating Out
We’ve all been there: squished in a booth between a burger and a pizza while picking at our plate of vegetables. Between the appeal of eating out and the temptation of your neighbor’s meal, sticking with your diet when dining out is one of the greatest challenges of any weight loss program. With a little planning and knowledge, though, you can make healthy choices no matter where you eat your meal.
Plan Ahead and Get Creative
If you know your dinner destination ahead of time, browse the restaurant’s menu online to identify some healthy options. Making a decision beforehand can also help you to avoid spur of the moment temptations when dining out. Use some of the following suggestions to help you enjoy a night out without setting back your weight loss goals.
- Choose food from the children’s menu to consume fewer calories
- Skip bread and dessert
- Ask for grilled foods instead of fried foods
- Choose steamed vegetables
- Drink water instead of tea or soda
- Share a meal
- Choose fruits or vegetables as a side instead of fries
- Having dressings served on the side
With more people wanting to eat healthy while eating out, many major restaurants and chains have responded by offering menu choices with fewer calories and smaller portion sizes. Ask your server if your restaurant offers any special healthy options.
Eating Out on the Run
If you have a busy schedule, it’s tempting to cut corners with fast food or take-out. While it may take some extra effort to make healthier choices when eating on the run, many fast food chains have introduced healthier menu options. By choosing restaurants that you know offer nutritious, low-fat options, it is possible to eat healthier while maintaining a packed schedule. You can also avoid fast food altogether by packing your meals ahead of time so that you can manage your food intake even with an unpredictable schedule.
For more tips and motivation for staying healthy, contact the weight loss team at Valley Medical Weight Control. Serving the Phoenix area, Valley Medical Weight Control combines fat-burning injections and appetite suppressants with exercise and a healthier lifestyle to maximize our patients’ weight loss results. Visit us online or call us today at (888) 502-5405.
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