Tips To Lose Weight While Eating Out

Dining out while trying to lose weight may seem like an impossible task, but in reality it's easier than you might initially think! Just follow these simple tips so that you can treat yo'self by going out to a restaurant, without falling off the wagon towards your weight loss goals!

1. Get the sauce and dressing on the side.

Excess calories are hidden inside the dressings and the sauces of many common food. For example, a salad is a great, healthy, low-cal option, but did you know Caesar dressing contains 80 calories in one tablespoon? By getting your sauce and dressing to the side, you can control how much goes onto your food.

2. Get two appetizers instead of a main course.

Appetizers are, by nature, smaller servings of food. Since you have more control and customizability over your meal by getting two appetizers, you can piece together a healthier meal than the main course might be able to provide. For example, getting an appetizer consisting of vegetables, as well as one consisting as something a bit more indulgent, you have a more well-rounded (and lower calorie) meal than just eating the burger with fries.

3. Ask for the nutritional information.

All restaurants are able to provide you with the nutritional information for their menus, so take advantage of this. Don't simply assume the nutritional info of your meal, because you're most likely going to be incorrect. 

4. Eat a lighter meal earlier in the day if you know you're going out later.

One of the best tools for eating light is to plan ahead. If you know you're going to be indulging in a high-calorie meal later in the day, account for that earlier in the day so you don't accidentally go over your calorie allowance.

5. Eat slowly.

Eating slowly allows you to not only enjoy your food, but also makes you more likely to eat less of it. It allows your body a chance to accustom to being full, so you don't eat too quickly and overeat.