Are you trying to lose weight but don't want to become a social hermit in the process? You don't have to be!
Everyone should aim to live a happy balanced life & not punish themselves for sniffing a chocolate wrapper but if you're trying to lose weight then here are a few tips on how to enjoy your dinners out and still stay inline with your goals:
1. Plan ahead. If you know you're going out for tea on Saturday then account for it in your weekly calories expenditure. Maybe have a little less calories Mon-Friday or make sure to move a little more that week to give yourself a little extra wiggle room for your night out. Calories work on a total over time - they don't have an expiration date day by day.
2. Smart choices. Usually no matter where you eat there is some form of heathy-ish option on the menu. Aim to order lean meats, poultry or fish - these are usually your lower cal options and often end up being the tastiest anyway. They may be the more expensive option but a few extra pounds on the bill is surely better than a few extra on the scales right?!
3. Key words. Look for grilled, boiled or steamed options rather than fried or baked. These are usually cooked in less fats and lower in calories. Think grilled chicken over KFC.
4. Red over White. I'm talking about sauces not wine! Red sauces are often tomato based and lower in calories than cheese/creamy sauces. Think seafood linguine over carbonara!
5. Don't go hungry. Have a snack/light meal before you go out to stop you craving everything on the menu and snacking on free bread.
6. Sober Sally for the night. Do you realllllly need to drink alcohol? How much is your night going to be effected if you drink or not? You can save yourself a lot of calories and money by driving instead and quite often have just as good of a time!
7. Lower calorie alcohol. If you do want to have a drink (like we all do from time to time - don't ask about my recent birthday antics!), opt for lower calorie options such as spirits and diet mixers like vodka lime & soda or gin & tonic.
8. Order first. Try to order first out of your table so you're not tempted last minute to go for the loaded nachos and lasagna after hearing everyone else's orders.
9. Dessert time. Eat it & enjoy every bite. There is no real low calorie option here as not many would want to sit eating a fruit salad whilst everyone else is tucking into fudge cake. So if you're going to have pudding...just eat it, enjoy it & have a top time with friends. If you can account for it within your calories even better!!
Closing rule is go out with friends & enjoy it. A meal out every now and again won't be detrimental to your goals - sticky ribs & cheesecake every night will though! Make smarter choices and live your best lives!
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