Eating out on a diet

xoaudhep

I've been on a strict enough diet for the last week and so far it's going really well apart from one or two minor slip ups. I have to go out for dinner tomorrow night and I have to choose the place.

I think I'll stay away from Indian, chinese etc because I think I'd end up consuming a weeks worth of calories.

Where is good to go on a diet? And what do people usually order if they're trying to be good?

Mellor

It doesn't amtter where you go really. Ther are good and bad options availible everyone.

But you can make it easy on your self.

• Ditch the starter. Ditch the bread basket.
• Easiest way to reduce calories in a meal is to eat less. You don't have to finish your plate.
• For lots of dishes, lots of the caloires are in the sauce (curry, pasta sauce etc) ask for the sauce on the side.
• Avoid the sauce altogether and do for a dry dish, like steak or chicken break. These don't have to be plain, marinades and spices can add tasty lower calorie falvours. Eg barbeque beef, or tandori chicken
• A huge bulk of the calories comes from the mash/chips/pasta on the side. Use these sparingly and opt for extra veg. Brown rice/pasta is just as high in calories as white. Don't be fooled.
• If you must have a dessert, split on with somebody. Avoiding it altogether is obviously best.
• Most importantly, it you always try and eat perfectly, you get bored and fail very quickly. An occasional cheat meal when to spoil yourself is no harm. Use it to make sure you stick to your diet until next time.

brokensoul

Hi

As Mellor said, try and give yourself a bit of a break for a dinner out or you will be miserable!

If it wouldnt affect your enjoyment of the meal too much maybe consider having water rather than wine/beer.

If i am going out for dinner I try and do a good hard session in the gym that day. I aim to burn 1000 calories or so. It makes me feel a little more virtious about eating out.

RobAMerc

I have to say, I don't over think it, I am careful with what I order but I do not let it spoil my dinner, going for dinner is supposed to be a treat, if you spoil it by over analysing what you are eating, you'll start to hate the fact you are watching what you eat which will start to chip away at your resolve to carry on ! I always try enjoy my food - if I am out for dinner I make sure I do.

xoaudhep

Thanks guys!

This place does amazing cocktails. I wonder will my will power last?

El_Dangeroso

Great advice from Mellor there.

I'd also add the tip of asking for a half portion of a main. A lot of Irish people have a 'finishing your plate' mentality (including me!) so if you can reduce what's on the plate in the first place that will help.

Rakish

yes, the bain of my life!

Look out for a mixed seafood salad on the menu. Its an easy win everytime.

You can often get a hugh plate of greens and a load of very healthy and very tasty seafood. The sauces are always on the side and the brown bread is optional.

rubadub

xoaudhep wrote: »

I think I'll stay away from Indian, chinese etc because I think I'd end up consuming a weeks worth of calories.

Tandoori dishes are relatively low calorie