Eating out and staying in shape
Eating out is like a trend for working people and not to mention eating out is also considered a major cause of obesity in America according to this article on msn (data taken from a report by U.S. Food and Drug Administration).Me being a working mom (a bit obese 
), don’t feel that the hardest part of weight control is dieting, but keeping the weight off forever is the problem. Long term weight management doesn’t mean that I cant entertain and enjoy eating out or take part in Christmas festivities or any other occasion which involves a lot of food. So here am going to share some tips I follow to control what goes on my plate.
- Saying no to the extras. When I plan to eat out, that very second what comes to my mind is to say no to all the extras. I try to stick to what I’ve ordered and say no to all the extra calories by avoiding multiple carbohydrate intake. When going for Indian take out I choose only rice or either bread not both.
- Avoiding all the desserts or skipping the starter. I Just limit myself to two courses to save calories. For dessert I choose a fruit platter with varieties of fruit.
- Keeping it plain. While choosing food to eat, I try to choose food that is cooked simply and not drowned in high calorie sauces. Some grilled fish or meat are among my all time favorite options.
- Limiting to three types of food on a buffet.When serving myself at a buffet, I try limiting to two or three types of food at a time. I start with the vegetables and salads to leave less room for more fattening foods.
- Never to drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Alcohol is an appetite stimulant because it relaxes our inhibitions and we are more likely to be careless over what we eat. So when am going out drinking with friends, I try to eat something light beforehand.
Although I tend to spoil myself on delicious treats at times I compensate the extra calories with some exercise by taking long walks from home to work at times. I believe that it’s the commitment I make to myself that would help me to keep in shape.
28 Responses to “Eating out and staying in shape”
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Angie's Recipes | April 1, 2010 at 8:16 pm |
HIIII! Nora! Where have you been!?
I usually just have one course when I dine out…..and I never take BUFFETs!
Happy Easter!
Sophie | April 2, 2010 at 8:42 am |
Hey,…Nora!!
We missed you!!!! thanks for those handy tips!!
Many greetings from sunny Brussels!!
lisa | April 3, 2010 at 7:51 pm |
Great useful tips Nora! It’s always hard to say no to the extras when eating out! No buffets for me!
Faith | April 4, 2010 at 1:43 pm |
I’m glad you’re back, Nora, I missed you! These are great tips for eating out — I especially love your idea of skipping a starter. I’m always tempted to get one, but when I get a starter I usually feel too full to really enjoy my meal!
Reeni | April 5, 2010 at 12:24 am |
These are excellent tips Nora! I need to lose a few pounds for summer! I missed you too! So glad you posted! XOXO
Candy | April 5, 2010 at 4:45 am |
Hi Nora! Thanks for the post and good tips!
5 Star Foodie | April 5, 2010 at 3:34 pm |
Excellent tips, will be handy for those upcoming summer vacations
Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella | April 10, 2010 at 6:52 am |
The two course rule is a good one or I sometimes like to order 2 entrees and a light dessert. I usually find the entrees a bit more creative anyway!
Gera @ SweetsFoodsBlog | April 10, 2010 at 10:51 pm |
Nice to be here again Nora!
Excellent tips to manage a little the weight; I’d add lower the intake of sodas and take light desserts (so difficult, haha)
Fabulous weekend!
Gera
Rosa | April 11, 2010 at 6:30 pm |
Great tips, especially if you have to eat out because of your job…
Cheers,
Rosa
sophia | April 12, 2010 at 7:23 am |
Great tips! I only wish I had more chances to eat out, though! I’m actually trying to gain weight, but these tips will come in handy when I’m in maintenance.
Parita | April 12, 2010 at 3:13 pm |
Very nice post! I often eat outside in the morning and try to have healthy salad or simple veggie lunch!
Blond Duck | April 12, 2010 at 8:35 pm |
You’re back!
Blond Duck | April 19, 2010 at 9:13 pm |
I hope you had a good weekend!
Rosa | April 21, 2010 at 11:56 am |
have a lovely day!
Cheers,
Rosa
Blond Duck | April 26, 2010 at 8:32 pm |
I hope you had a good weekend! Full of pie and all sorts of tasty thing!
Blond Duck | April 27, 2010 at 3:57 pm |
Today, find out if Bear found his wuffles…
Rosa | May 1, 2010 at 11:33 pm |
Looking forward to your next post…
Cheers,
Rosa
tasteofbeirut | May 2, 2010 at 1:08 am |
I agree with you 100% ; actually I stopped eating out as much because it is easier!
theUngourmet | May 2, 2010 at 2:33 am |
So nice to see you again! These are some really good tips. We rarely go out because it’s so darn expensive. I miss it sometimes.
Blond Duck | May 3, 2010 at 5:46 pm |
Love the smoked salmon omelette!
Tangled Noodle | May 4, 2010 at 1:27 am |
Excellent tips! I definitely try to follow a similar strategy, especially with buffets – actually, I try to avoid buffets altogether. While we love to eat out, we’ve cut back quite a bit to save money, but it has actually helped me to improve my cooking skills.
Erica | May 5, 2010 at 12:07 am |
I was missing your wonderful tips!!!Welcome back!
Dori Schwaiger | June 1, 2010 at 8:10 pm |
This article has some very valid points. I have lost almost 50 pounds due to not eating out. I have been out of work for a while and my budget does not allow me to eat out in restaurants right now. There is always a bright side to things, I am in the best shape of my life and have cash to spare. I call this my recession diet
Angie's Recipes | June 18, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
Nora, I know you have been busy with work, but don’t forget to take some time off and relax yourself.
Wish you a lovely and peaceful weekend.
Angie
nora | June 19, 2010 at 3:23 pm |
so sweet of u angie.. Sure i wil try t relax! Thanx a lot 4 the concern.. Hav a lovely weekend!
Cheers
Rosa | June 20, 2010 at 6:03 pm |
Looking forward to your next post!
Cheers,
Rosa
Madelaine | July 8, 2010 at 6:44 am |
NIce tips nora!! Eating too quickly does not allow the small intestine to keep up. Never to drink alcohol on an empty stomach point is remarkable coz i m not conscious with that. Thanks…