Achieving Your Weight Loss Goals and Eating Out

Most of us know that in order to achieve our weight loss goals, we have to stop going out to eat. We can have better portion control and consume a lot less fat and calories by cooking our own meals. However, sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where you have to go out to eat. You may have a family or job function you have to attend or be invited to a party you just don’t want to miss. So, how can you celebrate with friends and family or go to a required job function without sabotaging your weight loss goals? There are a few things you can do to limit the amount of damage done to your new healthy lifestyle and still manage to get out of the house at the same time.

• Skip the sodas and opt for water. Many studies have found that the average American ingests an additional 245 calories a day from guzzling our favorite soft drinks. This can add up to almost 90,000 calories a year, which is around an extra 25 pounds! Furthermore, this research shows that even by consuming these extra calories, our favorite sugary drinks just can’t give us that sense of fullness the way food can. So, by choosing water, you can eliminate some of the excess calories and sugar from your meal.
• Put down your fork in between bites. This method is perfect for helping you to realize if you are still hungry. Did you know that our brains has a lag time of about twenty minutes when it comes to sending our bodies a signal that we are full? This lag time is crucial in controlling your weight. If you can find a way to eat slower, your brain will be able to catch up to your body, and you will find that you are no longer hungry much quicker. This can easily put an end to overeating and, of course, bellyaches.
• Look for healthy options and order the smallest sizes. Many restaurants are now offering healthy choices. While these choices may not be as healthy as eating at home, most of the time they are healthier than other items on their menu. If the restaurant you are visiting does not have healthy options, try ordering the smallest sizes they have available. Try to opt for the healthiest choice available to you when you go out and then, do not overdo it.
• Do not eat your entire meal. We all know restaurants do not follow the proper portion sizes. In fact, many surveys have shown that most restaurants have even enlarged their plates just to fit more food on them. So, if you want to lose weight, you should not eat your entire meal. Try saving some for tomorrow or splitting your meal with a friend. I know it can be extremely tempting to eat your entire meal, especially if it is sitting right in front of you, so your best bet may be to go ahead and get the waitress to bag up half of your meal ahead of time. This way you avoid temptation and can be sure that you do not overindulge.
• Skip dessert. If the meal is high in fat and calories and does not follow the proper portion guidelines, then you can rest assured that the desserts served by the restaurant would follow these same rules and probably then some. By adding more fat and calories to your already higher normal than average meal, your diet has just taken a double whammy that can be especially hard to overcome. So, do not try to convince yourself that you can work off this excess amount of fat at the gym the next day because it is obviously not realistic. So, do yourself a favor and skip the dessert menu.

Going out to eat with friends, family or work colleagues is suppose to be a treat, and most of us really do enjoy getting in that extra social time. However, you do not want to get this extra social time by putting your weight loss goals in jeopardy. It is okay to have some fun sometimes. We all deserve a treat every now and then, but remember these tips to ensure that you do not completely wreck your weight loss goals while having fun.

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