Eating Out Strategy
From the “Tips to Lose Weight and Keep it Off for Good,” series.
Last birthday, my girlfriends and I went out to dinner to celebrate. Well, one thing led to another and the next thing I knew I had a cocktail, shared an appetizer, then consumed the entire plate of chicken Alfredo Fettuccini, AND a slice of celebratory chocolate mudslide cake.
It was all so good at the time, but as soon as I got home, I realized that I had consumed enough calories to support most of the defensive tackles on the high school football team!
The next time one of our birthdays comes up, I want to be more in control at dinner, so I’ve come up with a plan to make sure that I don’t repeat my last experience. I plan to come away feeling much better about my menu choices.
Here is the plan:
- I’ll order first… that way I can hold my resolve.
- I’ll order either grilled chicken salad (balsamic vinaigrette dressing on the side,) or grilled chicken pasta (putting ½ of the dish into a to-go box before it even leaves the kitchen,) with a side salad.
- I’ll get regular ice tea (not sweetened) or sparkling water with a twist of lime.
- I’ll suggest that “The Birthday Girl” get dessert and each one of us gets a spoon for a taste.
- I’ll leave the bread or bread sticks on the other side if the table.
- I’ll laugh and talk more, thus eating less and enjoying the company more than the food.
- I’ll wear a pair of slacks that look good and fit “Just right”… no room for extra!
- I’ll practice how I’ll order and what I’ll say to the girls BEFORE we leave for dinner.
I feel lucky to have supportive friends that will understand. I look forward to seeing more of the girls and “less” of me, as the year progresses. You can try these tips. I’m sure they’ll work for you too, even at a business lunch or dinner. Make the most of the company- not the calories.
If you are want to learn how to lose the excess bulges so you can look and feel good in that bathing suit this summer, give me a call me – Joy Reichard, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist – at 415-819-8769 or email me) and schedule a complementary 30-minute consultation to find out how hypnotherapy can help you can master your weight. Go to my website for more information: http://joyreichard.com/weight.html
Joy, thanks for these tips! I also usually drink a 16 oz. cup of hot lemonade made with purified water, Stevia liquid and organic lemon juice before I go to a potluck or restaurant gathering these days:)
Grilled fish fillet with green salad is my standard choice.
msnaomicolb
May 12, 2011 at 3:10 pm