Dining Out: Do’s and Don’ts
The key to eating out is pre-planning. Here are some general tips that can help you plan for success:
PRE-PLAN BEFORE YOU GO
• Don't save up calories earlier in the day, but make your meal fit into your normal schedule.
• Do not starve yourself before going out.
• Avoid temptation by planning what you will order ahead of time.
• Choose the restaurant carefully.
• Check out restaurant menus online before you go.
RESTAURANT STRATEGIES: BEFORE YOUR MEAL ARRIVES
• Feel free to make special requests, like sauces on the side.
• Think portion control at all times.
• Just say no to complimentary bread baskets, tortilla chips or fried noodles.
• Change your focus from "getting your money's worth" to enjoying the entire dining experience.
• Position your mindset before you enter a restaurant that YOU are in charge of what you eat.
WORRY-FREE RESTAURANT EATING
• Pace yourself; eat slowly and put your utensil down between bites, take frequent beverage sips, and try to be the last one to finish.
• Ask for a "to go" container up front.
• Leave food on your plate.
• Signal the waitperson to remove your plate as soon as you're finished.
REDEFINE FULLNESS
• Don't equate a bloated feeling or clean plate with fullness.
• Give your stomach time to tell your brain it's full (approximately 20 minutes).
SAVOR THE EXPERIENCE!
• Try noticing the sights, smells and music in the air.
• Appreciate being waited on and not having to cook or clean up.
• Enjoy yourself! Dining out is a special treat, so savor every bite until you're comfortably satisfied, but not uncomfortably stuffed!
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