Tonight I had dinner at Dublin Bay with some friends. These friends are women who LOVE food. Even before we started meeting for dinner, we often talked about restaurants and food we really enjoy. Now, whenever we are together, we have a great time discussing food, travel, sports, and gardening.
I was really hungry tonight because I had a very light lunch. I'd been thinking about dinner all afternoon as my stomach growled. Because I was so hungry, I knew it was even more important to plan ahead (a.k.a. The EASY Part) and stick to the plan (a.k.a. The HARD Part). This planning and sticking to it has to become my default mode, my normal way of life when eating out.
Looking at the menu, my mouth watered.....fish and chips....mmmmm.... shepherd's pie...oh, yeah....reuben sandwich and fries....yum-my! None of those were part of my plan, though. (My former default mode would be to forget about the plan and order what sounded good.) I planned to get fish---not only because it is "good for me" but because I really do enjoy it! I had a delicious piece of grilled mahi-mahi with a salad. The house dressing on the side was a delicious splurge! In the end, I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. I was satisfied and guilt-free. What is better than that?
What additional tips do you have that could help me when I am dining out?
9 comments:
excellent plan, my dear. One battle won. . .now on the way to winning the war!
I have used the old weight watchers trick in the past. Have the waiter bring out a to-go box right when the meal is served. I put half my meal in the box and close it up and the other half gets eaten. Since the food in the box is out of sight I tend to not eat it at the table. And I end up with leftovers.
I use the old water trick. Fill up on water or tea before and during eating. I also try to eat slower and take more home.
It helps me to know I CAN have anything on the menu... but I choose not to as I want to put into my body the healthiest food possible. I've also learned to ask specific questions in how it's fixed or to see if they could make a change in what it is. For example, my starchy and simple carbs happen during the day and at night it's only fibrous carbs... veggies. If I'm ordering something that has steamed potatoes and veggies at night I'd ask for them to leave the potatoes off but would see if they could add extra veggies in place. Keep it up, Corrine... it's worth it and you're worth it!
~Janis
Planning is such an important part of any change. Eating out is always a challenge but remembering to stay "in the moment" helps. I try the 1 minute at a time (forget the day - that is way too long for me :-)) So far staying on the journey with you - let's keep it up together!
I have learned to avoid "white" condiments whenever possible and I don't miss them too much. Things like mayo, sour cream, ranch dressing and tartar sauce. Healthier choices like fresh herbs and olive oil, salsa and flavored mustards can be just as tasty (if not tastier) and remove a lot of fat and calories!
Thanks for the tips! I will have to read them again before I go out to eat the next time!
You may want to check out this link for tips on eating out.
http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/news-healthiestrestaurantmeals/1/
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