I'm back!!! Sorry about having such a loooong hiatus! I finally have internet again and can write these blogs to help you lovely people!
We've all been there...the favorite restaurant...the favorite dish...the favorite weigh-in the next week. The fact of the matter is, not everybody knows how to order healthy at a restaurant. I just so happen to have some wonderful tips to assist you in dining out in a semi-healthy to healthy way. I'm not saying that you can't enjoy your all-time favorite restaurant every once in awhile...I'm saying that you can't do it
every time you eat out.
1. Figure out nutritional information before you go. Most restaurants have their nutrition information online or at the actual restaurant. Check out the list and make up your mind
before you go so you don't have to worry about the temptation of even looking at the menu.
2. Ask for dressing to be on the side. This is entirely reasonable, people. If the dressing is on the side, you can choose how much of it will go on your salad. It's quite a simple concept.
3. Opt for ketchup rather than ranch dressing for french fries. I have a lot of friends out there who run to the ranch for a dipping sauce. Guys, this is painful if you're trying to watch your weight! 2 T. of ranch dressing is 4 points whereas ketchup is only 1 point for the same amount! If you consider that it takes waaaay more than 2 T. of ranch dressing to eat those french fries...well, you're in trouble. Opt out of the ranch, guys. You'll thank me for it!
3. Ask for salsa to spice up dishes. Rather than ordering chicken with cream sauce, order up some plain ole' chicken and ask for some salsa to spice it up! Salsa is 0 WW points and a plain old boneless, skinless chicken breast (4 oz.) is 3 points. That's loads better than an entree that's worth 10+ points!
4. Alert your friends about your weight conscious decisions. If your friends are aware of your situation they will be better able to choose a restaurant that has a few healthy options. If you'd rather keep the information to yourself, offer up a restaurant option of your own for them to consider. That way, you can be in control of the options without broadcasting your weight loss goals.
5. Learn to say no! I love bread...all kinds. So much. Bread, rolls, breadsticks...take your pick...I love them all. At restaurants like Olive Garden or Texas Roadhouse I can't stop chomping on them if they bring them out. If they're at my table I'm going to eat them. This is where saying no comes into good use. When the bread comes to your table. Take one and ask the waiter to remove the rest. Get the temptation out of your way. The same thing goes for free chips and salsa and other "bonus" items that can trip up your weight loss journey. They may be free money-wise, but they'll go straight to your hips, butt, etc...not so free then, huh?
6. Avoid dishes with creamy sauces. Yes, this means fettuccine alfredo. Avoid it like the plague. The creamier sauces have a lot more fatty ingredients than other sauces...ahem, heavy whipping cream. It's not that tough, guys. There are plenty of other options for you to choose from.
7. Steer clear of the fried foods. Fried chicken isn't going to do you any favors. Instead, opt for dishes that are baked or grilled. One of my personal faves is the cilantro-lime shrimp from
Applebees (pictured to the right). Honestly, it's delightful. You get more than enough food and the taste is divine! =) Yummy! Anyways, this tip also means that you'll want to ditch the regular mozzarella stick appetizer as well. One of those babies can have 4+ points and that's being on the skimpy side.
8. Order your vegetables
without butter. A lot of people don't realize this is an option at a restaurant (sometimes it's not). It's worth asking for. Chain restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse are more than willing to cut the butter from your veggies. If they say no, just tell them you're allergic. =) I'm kidding, but ask...always ask.
It's a restaurant. They make what you order so don't feel guilty about it! You're heading into these places wanting something specific and they're there to serve you. Heavens knows it's probably a lot more entertaining for the cook to have to make something a little different than the plain ole' menu stuff. =) I hope these tips are beneficial to all of you and help you make wiser decisions when eating out! Best of luck to you!
As always, comment, repin, +1, share, tweet, etc. to share these great tips with others!
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