Here’s the simple restaurant strategy I commonly send to clients.
The goal is not to avoid eating out. The goal is to walk in with a plan, make a better decision, and keep the meal from throwing off the rest of your day.
Some of my favorite go-to options that work best:
-Check the menu online before you go and choose your meal ahead of time.
-Order a lean protein with double vegetables when possible.
-Swapping fries, pasta, rice, or potatoes for extra vegetables can often save 300 to 500 calories.
-On the menu, look for words like steamed, grilled, roasted, baked, broiled, or poached.
-Ask for the meal to be cooked with little to no oil or butter when possible.
-Ask for half of the meal to be packaged up before you start eating. This can instantly save 500 or more calories.
-Drink one glass of water before you eat anything.
-Try to drink at least two glasses of water before you leave.
-Many restaurant meals are 1,000 calories or more, so eating half can keep calories within reason.
-Order first so the rest of the table does not influence your choice.
-Take your time eating and try to be one of the last people finished.
-Ask for sauces and dressings on the side. Use the fork dip method: dip your fork into the sauce first, then take a bite.
-Skip the bread basket or chips. One slice of bread can add around 100 calories before the meal even starts.
-Share a plate with someone when the portions are large.
-Avoid high-calorie drinks when fat loss is the priority.
-If you order an alcoholic drink, keep it to one, choose a lower-calorie option, and consider skipping the starchy carb at that meal.
Simple rule to remember:
-Build the meal around protein, vegetables, water, and portion control. That alone will help you enjoy eating out without losing control of your progress.