Eating Out Tonight? Check out these tips before you go + FREE Downloadable Checklist!
Truth: I LOVE to eat out.
But eating out often has a cost if you don’t make the right choices.
That’s why I felt the need to write this specific blog post - to share the tips and tricks I’ve learned tHat ensure eating out is in-line with my balanced lifestyle. I hope you refer to these tips the next time you eat out (tonight, perhaps!) and use the downloadable checklist as a tool to keep yourself “in check” while living a joyous, balanced lifestyle :).
Let me know what other tips/tricks you have in the comments below!
Tips for Eating Out:
Ever hear the saying, “Never go grocery shopping hungry” ? — Double goes for eating out. Because what happens? You end up ordering an insanely carb-dense, fatty, glucose-spiking meal that’ll leave you feeling horrible immediately. You’ll also end up ordering WAY more than intended, hiking up the bill. You want to enjoy your meal out, and, maybe even keep the night going after dinner. Do yourself a favor and snack before dinner. Something light, such as an apple with peanut butter or some veggies and hummus will do the trick.
“You’re probably just thirsty.” — This is something a friend and old roommate of mine (Brooke, that’s you!) once told me when I was having one of those, “I’m still so hungry even though I’ve been eating nonstop all day!” Her words stuck with me ever since. I had barely drank any water that day. Sometimes, our bodies register thirst as hunger, and though it is hard to tell the difference, drinking a glass of water is the best determinate. Drink plenty of water before you head out, or, if you’re like me and forget to drink water while getting dolled up and are deathly parched by the time you arrive, ask for water immediately once you arrive at the restaurant and down that glass. You’ll feel better and more awake, and your body will be better able to determine what type of meal it needs that night (likely a healthier option!)
Choose plates high in protein, fat and fiber. These macronutrients contribute to the feeling of fullness and limit overeating.
Balance out your plate. Choose dishes that incorporate as many colors as possible, i.e. dishes that have plenty of vegetables. This is where micronutrients come from, after all.
Sharing is caring. Go tapas style, or convince your S.O., friend or whoever to share with you. Sharing plates slows you down (because, manners), costs less, and allows you to taste test everything!
Cheap and More isn’t better than Expensive and Less. In other words, check your portion sizes and aim for quality v quantity (Quality over Quantity should be a balanced life motto, anyways!)
Order and eat the appetizer first, then order your meal. I know, it sounds hard to do this, and it’ll take longer for your food to come out, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shared an appetizer, cleared the plate and immediately thought, “Wow, I’m so full. Oh, wait, I have a 8oz sirloin mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley on the way...greaaat.” Taking your time and spreading out your plates will allow your body to register when it is full and keep you from overeating. I’ll repeat: your body tells you when it is full. Take a moment and listen to it.
Have a conversation. Isn’t going out to eat a social thing?! Enjoy that time! Talking and laughing throughout a meal slows you down and allows your body the time to tell you what and how much more it needs.
Have an alcoholic drink AFTER your appetizer, or at least after you’ve eaten something. The drunchies (my own term for drunken-munchies) are a very real thing. Especially for petite, “light weights” like myself. If I don’t have food in my belly before a sip of alcohol, I’m toast. Wait on ordering the drink. Plus, pairing a drink with your meal enhances the flavor of both, and, (another overlap in tips), it also allows your body the time to process what it wants/needs. You might arrive wanting some large, sugary cocktail, but once you’ve had a bite to eat and your blood glucose levels out, your body will realize a glass of wine or something small and simple is a much better choice.
Cut your food in half. I always do this with burgers. When I have dinner at home, I normally don’t eat a full slab of meat and bread plus a plate of fries, so why would I eat that while out? Keep your portion size similar to your normal at-home plate size. Besides, it is always a treat to have leftovers (aka two meals in one!)
Skip the dessert. Unless the place is known for a fire dessert spread, like Ocean Prime and their Mile High Carrot Cake, dessert isn’t worth the stomach ache and overeating. Not to mention, it is likely very over priced. (^Logan and I are OBSESSED with this Carrot Cake. If you’re in the Denver area, try it. You won’t be disappointed.)
xoxo, Rach
Free downloadable checklist!
I recommend downloading and screenshooting, then saving to your favorite photos for easy access - that’s what I did at least :)
What other pieces of advice do you have? Comment below and I’ll add to the checklist!