how to stick to your diet at a restaurant



lets try to beat the restaurants at theirown game. it's no secret that as consumers -we want a bang for our buck. but, if we'rewatching our waists - its gets a little difficult when your favorite restaurant delivers ourfoods on platters rather than plates. or they bring out a basketful of tortilla chips ora breadbasket. use these tried and true suggestions the nexttime you step out for a meal: • never go out while hungry. you'll findyourself nibbling on everything that comes your way. • foods that are grilled, baked, steamedor broiled provide healthy, flavorful alternatives. ask how an entrã©e is prepared to ensure thatyour selection is not drowning in butter or

other fattening sauce. • for pasta selections, choose a marinarasauce instead of a white cream sauce. • order a healthy appetizer, salad, or small-sizedentrã©e for your meal. • select white chicken or turkey meat ratherthan dark meat, and have the skin removed. • avoid the "all you can eat" and buffet-stylerestaurants. • split a meal with a friend. • get a doggie bag before the meal and putin a portion of the food when it is first served. • avoid foods that have been prepared inheavy cream.

• eat slowly! put your fork down betweenbites. it takes the stomach about 20 minutes to realize that it is full. • order your salad or potato with the dressing,butter, sour cream, gravy and other extras on the side. remember, dip you fork in thedressing first. • trim all visible fat from meat. • select fresh fruit, sorbet or frozen yogurtfor dessert. or have a sliver or a spoonful of dessert. • watch the alcohol... it is loaded withcalories and can lower your defenses against food, causing you to eat more.

• beware of the breadbasket. it comes earlyand can be refilled several times. ask that it be brought with the meal and limit yourselfto one serving. • water is your best beverage choice. orderdiet pop, tea, and coffee with artificial sweetener. go light on the sugar and cream. • don't be afraid to special order menuitems. you're the boss --be in control! the key is to plan what to order in advanceand stick to it. decide on your priorities

how to stick to your diet at a restaurant,before going to the restaurant and avoid lookingat the entire menu. simply do the best you can with some smartchoices. if you are there for the dessert --then order a light meal or a salad, withdressing on the side. with a few simple strategies,

dining out does not have to totally destroyyour dieting efforts.