restaurant weight loss tips

 while i have been trying to cook and eat at home more, there's still something nice about going out to eat with randy or friends. this article by david zinczenko includes some very useful tips to stay healthy when eating out:

-fancier does not mean healthier-
just be aware that just because it's being served in a sit-down restaurant, does not mean it's necessarily 'healthier' than something you can grab at home or from a drive-thru. really look at the nutritional facts on the menu and try to pick something that doesn't pack too many calories and grams of fat.

-eat off of a smaller plate-
if you pick a smaller plate, you will eat less. most people feel the need to clear their plate. if there is less food on your plate to begin with, you won't over-eat. this technique tricks your brain - if your eyes see you've finished your food, your tummy will feel satisfied.


-eat dessert elsewhere-
if you are craving dessert after a meal, take a walk. studies have shown that cravings for sweets dropped 12% in people who take a light stroll after a meal. and, if you still want an after-dinner treat after you've walked, you've now earned it!

-guzzle ice water first-
being thirsty can feel like being hungry, so dieting is easier if you stay hydrated. also, water fuels your metabolism. i try to finish at least one and a half glasses of water before my meal is brought to the table (be sure to account for ice - some restaurants serve water that is 85% ice!)

-cut up your food-
you'll feel like a 5-year-old, but at least this time you can do it yourself! why cut? because sorting your food into smaller chunks has been proven to help people eat less. *believing that you're eating a larger portion of food causes you to feel more satisfied with fewer calories!*

-start small-
 in most cases, you will be satisfied with a smaller serving and forget about wanting that extra large order of fries. and if you still want more, you can still get seconds! again, trick your brain - finish a smaller serving and feel good about yourself instead of trying to finish a large serving and feeling overly full and yucky afterwards!

look at these facts:

~7-Eleven: Gulp to Double Gulp Coca-Cola: 37 cents extra = 450 more calories

~Movies: Small to medium unbuttered popcorn: 71 cents extra = 500 more calories

~Subway: 6- to 12-inch Tuna Sub: $1.53 more = 420 more calories

~Baskin Robbins: Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Kids’ Scoop to Double Scoop: $1.62 more = 390 more calories

 until next time..

<3 alaina