Eating Out While Dieting

[jennybean]

Eating out at a restaurant can be a real challenge when you are dieting. Many restaurants offer delicious meals that are low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, but restaurant food still tends to be higher in fat-increasing culprits such as carbs and sugars.

When eating out, ask which type of fat the restaurant uses. Try to replace the saturated and trans fats in your food with more healthful unsaturated oils. Canola, olive and corn oil are among the most desirable. Request soft and trans-fat-free margarine.

Equally important is the portion size. Help control your weight by asking for smaller portions, or sharing entrees with a companion.

Try following these healthy tips when eating out and still staying on your diet path:

Fried, au gratin, crispy, escalloped, pan-fried, saut?ed or stuffed foods are high in fat and calories. Instead, look for steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted foods.

If you?re not sure about a certain dish, ask your server how it?s prepared.

Even if dishes low in saturated fat and cholesterol aren't on the menu, you may still be able to get a healthy meal, because many restaurants will prepare foods to order. If you?re not sure about a particular restaurant, phone before you go.

High-sodium foods include those that are pickled, in cocktail sauce, smoked, in broth or au jus or in soy or teriyaki sauce. Steer clear of these.

Refrain from filling up on complimentary dinner rolls/bread/tortilla chips, ect. These are given to you as an intentional filler and are extremely high in carbohydrates.

Just because you are dieting doesn't mean you can't enjoy eating out at restaurants. Just follow these few simple tips.

Bon Appetite :-* Jenny

[olfea]

it's really tempting when eating outside

so fill in your stomach first. at least you're full already when inside the restaurant

[Leah Parker]

I really believe that when you are on a diet, you should avoid eating outside especially on food chains with meals that you just cannot resist. What's the point of dieting when you go to tempting places like that? I understand that there are times when you just cannot avoid going to restos especially during special events say, birthdays or weddings but other than that, I really recommend avoiding these places as much as possible.

Anyway, during special events... try to eat slowly and choose the kinds of food that you put on your plate. Avoid anything fattening or full of preservatives. In addition, put little amount of food in your plate as can help you eat less as well. Instead of concentrating on food, try to mingle and talk to other people. I'm sure there is also someone in the crowd who would want to eat little too.

In times when you are depressed and when you are craving for comfort food, avoid these places at any cost as it will only break your diet. cook your own food instead, it will help enhance your culinary creativity as well as avoid drowning in despair once you have gulped everything in.

[Marie Shelton]

I love to eat out but what good will I get if I deprive myself of going to new food stores? I'll just pass another chance to experience something beautiful! the only thing that we must remember is to eat in moderation and to pick something weight friendly. You do not have to entirely relinquish going to some fancy restaurants. It's a joy to see my kids enjoy their food and hubby is a junkie on restaurants too! if you are on a diet, i suggest that you eat just like an ordinary day and never force your stomach just because the food is great. eat in moderation and enjoy the experience. You have to eat good food too you know and its a great way to wind up and enjoy your family/friends' company.

[nature]

eat african mango before every meal. it also makes your body healthy even when you only eat less during meals.

[jhkoenig]

A nice alternative to diet sodas in a restaurant is to ask for seltzer water. If the restaurant has a bar, they definitely have seltzer water. The bubbles make it nicer than tap water, especially with a squeeze of lemon or lime. Also, seltzer water does not have the high sodium levels that Perrier and San Peligrino have.

Give it a try!

[stevedav]

I realize that there are times when you just will not bypass going to restos particularly throughout exceptional happenings state, anniversaries or weddings but other than that, I actually suggest bypassing these locations as much as possible.

[marklee]

Yes of course you could do it but not too often, you have to manage the extras: pork, fried, cooked in sauces, pizzas and quiches, pastries, cakes, ice cream, candy ... All these foods are high in calories. Do not avoid everything, you will risk a meltdown or feel depressed, but limit your consumption. For example, if you usually eat five « extras » a week, try to settle for 2 to 3 per week.