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How To Cut Calories When Eating Out

Enjoying The Meal Without Sacrificing Your Waistline

Nov 7, 2008 Kristin Colangelo

We have all experienced the dread of being invited to a restaurant while on a diet. How can a person enjoy dining out without ruining his diet? Here's how.

One notorious way that diners fill up and fill out is by eating the bread that is served before a meal in many restaurants. Full of simple carbohydrates that readily turn to fat (not to mention the butter that comes with it), bread is one item you don't want to waste precious calories on.

Salad As Appetizer

Instead of getting an appetizer (many of which are fried), consider asking the server for a salad so that while everyone is busy eating that appetizer, your mouth is full of something good too.

Alternatively, if the appetizer is something irresistable (and not fried), split it with others at the table so there is just enough for a taste but not enough to overeat.

Opt For Ice Water

Another area of empty calories when dining out is the beverage one chooses. Alcohol contains a lot of calories, while soda contains a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients. Instead of wasting calories on what you are drinking, order ice water instead for a healthier alternative. Ask for a wedge of lemon or lime for added flavor. If water isn't your thing, ask for an iced tea or plain coffee instead.

Choose a Lean Protein Entree

For your entree, the key to feeling full and satisfied is to choose one that is heavy in lean protein. Good choices are chicken (without the skin), fish (mercury-free), lean cuts of beef and/or beans. If the entree comes with a heavy side item such as mashed potatoes, consider asking for a substitution for extra vegetables or at the very least ask that extras on the potato (bacon, sour cream, butter) be left off. You can add a little butter at the table to ensure that a small amount is used.

Divide Portions

One great way a person can enjoy a meal out without guilt is to split the meal portion into two or three so that leftovers are taken home to be enjoyed as separate meals later.

Take Dessert Home

Sometimes there is a dessert that is too heavenly to pass up, but a person doesn't want to ruin a healthy meal out with all that fat and calories. No problem -- simply ask for the dessert to take home and split it into two or three portions to enjoy at home.

Eating out is an enjoyable way to spend time with people we care about. Conversely, sitting at home miserably in front of a plate of diet foods is not very appetizing but at least there is no guilt about overeating. The best of both worlds can truly be enjoyed...eating out while maintaining a good diet. Follow the easy tips above for great results.

The copyright of the article How To Cut Calories When Eating Out in Weight Loss is owned by Kristin Colangelo. Permission to republish How To Cut Calories When Eating Out in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Dining Out While On A Diet