Eating at a restaurant is about much more than just the meal. It's a time for us to connect to the people we enjoy spending time with, a well needed break from the kitchen, and a nice change in scenery that allows us to feel energetically involved in our community. Although these are all positive aspects of restaurant dining, it can be a struggle for those of us who also have weight loss goals. We have very strong "stories" when it comes to eating restaurant food. "I won't enjoy myself if I'm not eating the chips and queso. All my friends are going to be uncomfortable if I don't order a drink. It's not worth the money if I am just going to order a salad that I could make at home"... and so on. These "stories" prevent us from having the best of both worlds, in other words, having our cake and not eating it too (not funny?)! Below are some tips that will allow you to take a break from the ongoing cooking/cleaning cycle, enjoy time out and be social, while maintaining success with your personal health goals.
Eating Out Tips:
Order off the menu
You don't need to follow all of the rules. If you're having trouble finding something on the menu that fits your program, then simply ask for a piece of grilled protein and a side of veggies and call it a night!
Tell them you are on a cleanse
This is Austin...everyone's cleansing...all the time. Chances are your server is on a cleanse as well and can help you choose the best option the restaurant has to offer.
Look at the menu beforehand
Make a decision...and stick to it! "Out" yourself to your friends so that you can't change your mind :)
Share your dish
Boom! You just cut your caloric intake in half. Another option is to have your server box up half of the order before they bring it to the table.
Order an appetizer as your meal
Or ask for the lunch portion. Smaller portion means fewer calories!
Don't go hungry
We've all made this mistake before and then proceeded to eat the entire contents of the bread basket plus an app and then an entire entree'. Have a handful of nuts on your way to the restaurant and skip the meal(s) before your meal.
Don't order dessert
Dessert is a meal you order after you've eaten an entire meal (think about it)! If you really want something sweet, skip the entree' and have dessert as the main course. It's not ideal to consume sugar at night right before bed, but sometimes it just feels right.
To drive this point home, this week is Restaurant Week at Nutritional Wisdom! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the healthy restaurant meals that I am eating and stay tuned for my free treat! Here are a few of our favorite meals so far this week.
(Carrot Gazpacho and Raw Carrot & Kale Salad from 2nd Bar on Congress)
(Tarzan salad with and without a fried egg from Bouldin Creek Cafe...a salad so nice we ordered it twice!)
(Casa de Luz - their entire menu is vegan, organic, and gluten free!)
(The Beets salad from Hillside Farmacy)
Eating Out Tips:
Order off the menu
You don't need to follow all of the rules. If you're having trouble finding something on the menu that fits your program, then simply ask for a piece of grilled protein and a side of veggies and call it a night!
Tell them you are on a cleanse
This is Austin...everyone's cleansing...all the time. Chances are your server is on a cleanse as well and can help you choose the best option the restaurant has to offer.
Look at the menu beforehand
Make a decision...and stick to it! "Out" yourself to your friends so that you can't change your mind :)
Share your dish
Boom! You just cut your caloric intake in half. Another option is to have your server box up half of the order before they bring it to the table.
Order an appetizer as your meal
Or ask for the lunch portion. Smaller portion means fewer calories!
Don't go hungry
We've all made this mistake before and then proceeded to eat the entire contents of the bread basket plus an app and then an entire entree'. Have a handful of nuts on your way to the restaurant and skip the meal(s) before your meal.
Don't order dessert
Dessert is a meal you order after you've eaten an entire meal (think about it)! If you really want something sweet, skip the entree' and have dessert as the main course. It's not ideal to consume sugar at night right before bed, but sometimes it just feels right.
To drive this point home, this week is Restaurant Week at Nutritional Wisdom! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the healthy restaurant meals that I am eating and stay tuned for my free treat! Here are a few of our favorite meals so far this week.
(Carrot Gazpacho and Raw Carrot & Kale Salad from 2nd Bar on Congress)
(Tarzan salad with and without a fried egg from Bouldin Creek Cafe...a salad so nice we ordered it twice!)
(Casa de Luz - their entire menu is vegan, organic, and gluten free!)
(The Beets salad from Hillside Farmacy)
Success Stories:
Congrats Kristi and Karey!
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