7 Dining-Out Tips From Lose It! Members

7 Dining-Out Tips From Lose It! Members

As we all know, eating out can be a challenge when trying to stick to a weight loss plan. But, with the right strategies, you can enjoy your favorite restaurants without compromising your goals. In this article, we’ll share the top 7 dining-out tips from Lose It! members, along with expert insights from registered dietitians Amy Shapiro and Carol Aguirre.

1. Review the Menu Beforehand

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Before heading out to a restaurant, take some time to review the menu online. This will help you identify healthy meal options that align with your preferences and weight loss goals. It also prevents you from being tempted or persuaded by others to order menu items that could derail your progress.

2. Skip the Bread

Many Lose It! members manage to eat mindfully at restaurants by skipping the bread or asking the server not to bring it out. Eating just one piece of bread with olive oil or butter can be up to 300 calories you didn’t plan for. Plus, bread made from white flour can spike your blood sugar and make you feel even hungrier, leading you to eat more.

3. Take Half Your Meal to Go

Restaurant portions are typically two to eight times larger than the ones most people eat at home. To manage your portions, consider taking half of your meal home in a to-go box. This strategy encourages mindful eating, which research shows helps you become more attuned to your hunger cues. Having a smaller portion in front of you also reduces the temptation to overindulge just because it’s on your plate.

4. Order Smaller Plates

Research shows that the amount of food on our plate affects how much we eat. To control your portions, order smaller plates off the menu, such as a la carte items, appetizers, or kid’s meal items. These smaller plates are often an ideal size for a meal and provide portion control without requiring any willpower.

5. Order a Salad and Bring Your Own Dressing

Many Lose It! members swear by ordering a salad when dining out. Salads are generally lower in calories compared to many other restaurant options. A well-balanced salad also contains nutrient-rich ingredients such as leafy greens, vegetables, and lean proteins, which provide essential nutrients and help keep you feeling full and satisfied while keeping calorie counts low.

6. Drink Water

Sweetened drinks and alcoholic beverages can add a lot of extra calories to your meal without providing any nutritional value. Instead, stick to water when dining out. Drinking water before a meal can also help control appetite by promoting a feeling of fullness, which may lead to consuming fewer calories.

7. Plan for the Extra Calories and Enjoy

Lastly, another weight loss tip Lose It! members swear by is to plan for the extra calories you may consume while eating out and then allow yourself to truly enjoy them. Planning ahead allows you to budget your calorie intake more effectively, ensuring that you stay within your target range for weight loss.

Conclusion

By following these 7 dining-out tips from Lose It! members, you can enjoy your favorite restaurants without compromising your weight loss goals. Remember to plan ahead, make thoughtful choices, and stay mindful of your portions. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to a successful weight loss journey.

FAQs

• Q: How can I stay within my calorie budget while eating out?
  A: Plan ahead by reviewing the menu online and adjusting your calorie budget for the day or week using Lose It!.
• Q: What’s the best way to order at a restaurant?
  A: Order smaller plates, skip the bread, and choose healthier options like salads or grilled meats.
• Q: How can I avoid overeating when dining out?
  A: Take half your meal to go, order smaller plates, and stay mindful of your hunger cues.
• Q: What’s the best beverage to order at a restaurant?
  A: Stick to water or unsweetened tea to avoid adding extra calories to your meal.
• Q: Can I still enjoy my favorite treats while eating out?
  A: Yes, but plan ahead and budget for the extra calories. Allow yourself to enjoy your treats in moderation.