How to Eat Out When You Want to Lose Weight

If you have stuck on to your diet and have been losing weight consistently, then you might dread the thought of eating out. The thought of your effort going waste and those restaurant calories going straight for your waist might send tremors down your spine. However, you can safely have fun eating out, even as you control your calorie intake by paying heed to certain key points, while eating out.

Plan Before You Go: If you are going to a known restaurant, where you are familiar with the menu, then you can plan your dishes in advance. However, if you plan to visit a new restaurant, then it would be a better idea to snack on an apple or cereals before you leave. This will reduce your hunger pangs and you might even be able to survive on less food, if the menu does not have any low-calorie dishes. In case you plan to eat Thai or Chinese food, then you might find a large variety of dishes that are light in calories.

Soup Up To Tank Down: By drinking soup, you can easily restrict the quantity of food during your main course. Order any soup that does not contain high levels of cream or cheese. Ensure that there are vegetables in your soup. Avoid eating any bread dish that normally accompanies soups. A light salad without mayonnaise along with some grilled chicken sprinkled with lemon juice can also serve as a good starter.

Which Course For The Main Course: In some restaurants, it is possible to specify the amount of oil or butter in your main course. But, if your restaurant does not permit it, then order any fish or grilled chicken dish that does not use a high amount of oil. Stay away from fish or chicken fried in batter. You can also order a pasta dish in tomato sauce instead of cream sauce. Stay away from re-fried beans or any other dish that is covered in melted cheese. Order side dishes that are light and that contain fresh vegetables, as this will ensure that you eat less of your main dish and thus reduce your calorie intake. Take smaller portions of high calorie foods and compensate it with larger portions of salads. If you love potatoes, ensure that you order a dish that is baked and not fried. If the chef is known to accept special orders, then decide before reaching the restaurant as to the type of dish that you want prepared and explain it in detail to the chef, so that you get a light-yet-tasty main dish.

Light Desserts! You Must Be Kidding! You can also control the calories in your dessert by ordering a fruit salad. If you are forced to order a dessert that has high calories, then make it a point to share it with your loved ones. Try sorbets instead of cream based ice creams. Avoid cakes or brownies, since they are high in calories and fat.

Thus, even though you might have a frightening thought on losing control over your diet, whenever you dine at a restaurant, follow the above tips and you can ensure that you would restrict the number of calories entering your body, even as you calmly enjoy your meal.