Some people who are really into their health and fitness goals tend to panic when they have to go to a restaurant. Other people probably go to restaurants too often and indulge. Being in either one of these categories is not healthy for you or your mind. Because of birthdays, anniversaries, and other social gatherings, its not realistic to say “never go to a restaurant”. Whether you fall into the category of panicking about messing up your diet or indulging to much, I’ve compiled this list of tips to help you best stay on track. I always follow these tips when I am going to restaurant, and because of that I’ve always been able to stay on track.
1. Every meal out is not a party.
Just because you are going out for dinner does not mean you need to have an end all be all cheat meal. One of the most common downfalls people make at restaurants is eating way too much way too often. Unless it is truly a special occasion, like your birthday or wedding anniversary, there is no need to eat all of the food just because you’re out. The last time I indulged at a restaurant was in January for my birthday, the next time I’ll indulge will most likely be our anniversary in September. As hard as it may be to do and acknowledge, don’t treat every meal out like its a party and stick to the basics.
2. Do your research and plan ahead of time.
Anytime I go to a restaurant, I always know what I’m going to order before I get there. I usually spend a significant amount of time researching menu options to figure out what meal will best fit my daily caloric needs. I usually just try to stick to what I would normally eat for dinner which could be a large salad or some kind of meat and vegetables. Depending on where you are going, you may even be able to view the calories and macros ahead of time. While it may be a buzzkill to see the calories in the food, it can really help you make some informed decisions on your food choices.
3. Ask specific questions to the wait staff about your meal.
Before I order a meal at any restaurant, I usually ask the wait staff specific questions about the meal. At this point, I’ll usually ask for the meal to be prepared without any excess ingredients as well. More often than not the wait staff and kitchen staff will be more than happy to accommodate your request.
4. Skip the bread basket.
I’m sure you had to know that I was going to address this point. As hard as it may be, because the bread basket is really so appealing – skip it! Indulging in all the bread and butter before a meal can really up the calories you’re about to consume. If you’re one of those people who cannot resist the temptation of the basket if it is in front of you ask the wait staff not to bring it or to take it away if it was already there waiting for you.
So the next time you go out to a restaurant, what will you do to help you stay on track? Will you try out one of these tactics or do you have your plan you usually follow? Tell us in the comments below!
These are some great tips for helping people stay on track when eating out. I’ve never really thought about how bad (in all different ways) that bread basket can be!
The bread basket calories really do add up! Usually any freebies they leave on the table for you are calorie bombs!
Wonderful sharing! Thank you very much for this amazing article. What a good post and I love your good written I will show this to my friends. Glad that you share this
You’re welcome!
I need to listen to this but it’s so hard! I love eating out so much, but my body begs to differ.
I agree its hard to listen too, but completely worth it when you do!
I tend to indulge when I go out to eat. For me it is a special time and I would rather just cut back the next day.
I indulge too every once in awhile, it can be tricky for people who go out to eat once or twice a week all the indulging really does add up.
Even though I’m not on a diet per se, I always check out the restaurant’s menu before going out to eat. It helps me find good choices before I’m tempted by specials or hurried by the waiter.
Exactly, those are great reasons to check out the menu beforehand too!
Skipping the bread basket is such great advice. It’s hard to do sometimes but it’s the right thing to do for sure!
It can be the hardest thing to do!
skipping the bread basket is a great idea! my partner actually asks the waiter not to serve it to resist temptation!
That’s a smart idea too!
Totally agree! Eating out should not be an opportunity to cheat!
XOXO
Annie
Exactly!
Wow! This is such an interesting article. Next time I be in a restaurant, I will surely adapt this.
Awesome, let us know how it goes!
A friend suggests that it is okay to have a cheat day, at least once a week. It is okay to take a break from a week of strict diet. So, you won’t deprive yourself of those foods you crave to eat
As long as it really is one cheat meal, a lot of people tend to get very carried away with their cheat meals.
I like the advice on asking the waiter about the specific details of the menu or dish. Doing the research and planning ahead is also a sound advice.
It really is, that way you know what your options are ahead of time.
This is a great article. Number one is where I had to realize that is something we do a lot when we eat out. It is always a party, a big event or call for celebration. From deciding which of the fancy restaurants we will visit to the best of the best on the menu. So, we need to tone it down and watch our waistline.
It can be hard to do, but worth it when you make it a habit and start seeing more results.
I’m a micromanager so I always have to plan everything ahead of time!
Same here!
I find I eat out alot this time of year an it is hard for me not to pig out when I do so. This is a major killer of my health goals for sure!
It can be a major goal crusher, practice these tips and you’ll still be able to work towards your goals.
I admit, when I was on my diet last year, I could barely eat out. I didn’t think I could trust myself, haha. Thank for the tips!
It is hard to fall into that trap! But you’re welcome!
These are great tips, I have never really thought about this before. Skipping the bread basket is probably a good idea. I’ll have to try these out. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome, let us know how they work out for you!
If you’re watching what you eat, it’s definitely a good idea to skip the bread basket. Also to ask the server about the food is a great idea.
It really is the best possible way to get the temptation away!
These are great tips – for Trim Healthy Mama, they have several tips and guides on what you can have on plan at various restaurants to keep on track. If you fall off the wagon, you can get back on 3 hours later. Always great to know what you can have when you are out for dinner.
I’ve never asked questions about any of my meals when eating out. I haven’t even thought about it even though I often wonder about some things. I’m going to start doing that and requesting different things with my meals.
Its definitely helpful to know, especially if you’re watching your weight. You may not even be aware of how much extra oil is being added to each meal!
I definitely need to be more mindful when going out to eat. Planning ahead, and studying the menu are some great ideas!
Definitely try them out! Let me know how they work out for you
I hardly eat out because I don’t like to, but of course every once in a while I always have to due to pressure from Friends and family, I will definitely keep all of these guidelines in mind when next I do.
Awesome, let me know how they work out for you!
This is exactly my problem. We lose our control over food. And we end up eating too much and it isn’t unhealthy.
Exactly, it is so easy to get carried away!
These are such great tips! We just shared our fitness journey over on the Dollhouse.