Most people think that dieting is almost like a prison sentence. You can't eat whatever you want and dining out is not an option because of all the temptation. Well, they're wrong. You definitely can still dine out while you're on a diet. And that's without cheating on your diet too! Lunch, dinner, whatever it is that you're dining out for, just make sure to make smart choices. That's the secret!
Don't even start thinking that you can binge on not-so-good-for-you foods just because you're dining out. If you truly, seriously and genuinely want to lose weight and keep it off, make sure to stick to your healthy eating habits and make smart choices when you're out at restaurants.
You don't have to avoid going out for food at all! Instead, enjoy restaurants while you're working to lose weight and here are some rules that will help you to stick to your weight loss program while dining out:
Lunch invitations:
Lunch invitations are great as this is the best time to eat without damaging the diet or the metabolism
- Rule 1: Choose foods from the menu which you truly enjoy and avoid filling your plate with unnecessary side helpings.
- Rule 2: Eat slowly and enjoy the food flavors, texture and taste.
- Rule 3: Avoid food that looks unhealthy like maida (white flour) products (nan, white bread), deep fried foods and very oily vegetables.
Dinners with family/friends at restaurants:
- Rule 1: Begin with a clear soup with vegetables or a combination of chicken and vegetables. Ask the Chef to sauté some vegetables like some exotic Chinese greens, flavored with herbs and spices, in olive oil and accompany this with a salad. You can also have a combination of chicken with marinated vegetables. Vegetarians can ask for cottage cheese in small quantities with marinated greens and a tangy dressing.
- Rule 2: Avoid cereals/pulses late night.
- Rule 3: Eat slowly enjoying the flavors as it prevents overeating.
- Rule 4: Do not wistfully eye other foods on the table as it will invoke sympathy towards you and even family will be forced to offer the heavy foods to you.
- Rule 5: Enjoy the ambience, conversation and the moments with the family/friends instead of feeling sorry for yourself!
Late night social occasions:
- Rule 1: Only tell your close friends/well wishers that you are on a diet while dining out or it becomes a great ego war, where the host will insist on serving you every conceivable item on the menu till you finally give up!
- Rule 2: Eat a snack at 6 pm before you leave because no dinner is served till 11 pm and by that time most people are starving to death. As a result, they end up eating large quantities.
- Rule 3: Choose vegetables. Combine it with some raita (not sweet) and salad. For non-vegetarians choose grilled chicken with some sauté Chinese vegetable and salads.
- Rule 4: Do not drink soups made in huge caterings/weddings as they contain corn-flour which is no-good for weight loss.
Some healthy foods you can try are:
Natural-atta roti/tava roti (chapati), vegetables sautéed in olive oil, clear soups, salads with a olive oil and vinegar dressing, whole wheat pasta on a tomato base with light cheese, whole wheat bread, grilled chicken, grilled or fried fish, natural brown rice, cottage cheese, bean salads and all dals (pulses) with the exception of dal makhni.
The list is endless and open to creativity.......
Many restaurants have menu items that are "heart healthy." Ask for calorie and fat information on menu items. If you ask, chefs will often make you a custom dish.
Eating out can be one of life's great pleasures. Make the right choices, ask for what you need, and balance your meals out with healthy meals at home. You can enjoy yourself and take good care of your health at the same time. You just need to remember and use these tips when you go out. Keep yourself happy and social while you lose weight and you'll be a happier and healthier person!
