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Eating out proved dangerous for me. For some reason, I thought the calories consumed at a restaurant didn’t count. Wrong. Not only do the calories count, but the way the food is prepared is out of my hands. Only the cooks know how much oil they use or what other goodies are hidden in their entrée sauces, sandwiches and decadent desserts.
 
After coming to the realization restaurant calories not only counted, but may be the worst kind, I gave up eating out.
 
For a while, I even turned down dinner invitations to friends’ houses. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to control my eating habits outside my home. Most of my life, chatting with friends and mindless eating had gone hand in hand. During a conversation with a friend, the chips and salsa effortlessly disappeared. I had no one to blame but myself.
 
Being antisocial really isn’t in my nature, so I had to learn a few tricks before I tackled eating out at restaurants or over at friends’ homes.
 
Try the following:
 
Tip 1: If I am going to an unfamiliar place, I Google the restaurant and look over the menu to figure out a good choice for dinner in advance. My game plan is already in motion and it helps fight off the temptation to order things I know I shouldn’t like bacon cheeseburgers and fries.
 
Tip 2: I never order from the main entrée menu. The portions are just too large. I know some people ask for a take-out box with their dinner and put half of their meal in the box before they start to eat. Nice thought, but it never worked for me. The waiter forgets the box and the next thing I know, my plate is empty.
 
Tip 3: I allow myself only two items. I look over the appetizer, soup and salad menu and pick the two things I want. The great thing about the appetizer menu is the portions are more reasonable, so if I choose something that strays from my healthy eating regime, I don’t feel like I have completely fallen off the horse. At least the smaller portions keep the calorie count in control.
 
Tip 4: If I know the desserts at the restaurant are delicious, I adjust my ordering to account for the sweet I want to top off the meal. I also ask my friends to share the dish. It is a great bonding tool and helps keep the calorie count in line.
 
Tip 5: Moderation is key, and enjoying yourself is always on the menu. Life is too short, but food is just part of it and not all of it.
 
I am far from perfect. Occasionally, I still overeat when I go out. But whenever I do, I hit the gym harder the next day.
 
Lisa Griffis is a regular columnist for ShareWiK.com. Visit her web site at lisagriffis.com
© ShareWiK Media Group, LLC 2009

Eating out proved dangerous for me. For some reason, I thought the calories consumed at a restaurant didn’t count. Wrong. Not only do the calories count, but the way the food is prepared is out of my hands. Only the cooks know how much oil they use or what other goodies are hidden in their entrée sauces, sandwiches and decadent desserts.
 
After coming to the realization restaurant calories not only counted, but may be the worst kind, I gave up eating out.
 
For a while, I even turned down dinner invitations to friends’ houses. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to control my eating habits outside my home. Most of my life, chatting with friends and mindless eating had gone hand in hand. During a conversation with a friend, the chips and salsa effortlessly disappeared. I had no one to blame but myself.
 
Being antisocial really isn’t in my nature, so I had to learn a few tricks before I tackled eating out at restaurants or over at friends’ homes.
 
Try the following:
 
Tip 1: If I am going to an unfamiliar place, I Google the restaurant and look over the menu to figure out a good choice for dinner in advance. My game plan is already in motion and it helps fight off the temptation to order things I know I shouldn’t like bacon cheeseburgers and fries.
 
Tip 2: I never order from the main entrée menu. The portions are just too large. I know some people ask for a take-out box with their dinner and put half of their meal in the box before they start to eat. Nice thought, but it never worked for me. The waiter forgets the box and the next thing I know, my plate is empty.
 
Tip 3: I allow myself only two items. I look over the appetizer, soup and salad menu and pick the two things I want. The great thing about the appetizer menu is the portions are more reasonable, so if I choose something that strays from my healthy eating regime, I don’t feel like I have completely fallen off the horse. At least the smaller portions keep the calorie count in control.
 
Tip 4: If I know the desserts at the restaurant are delicious, I adjust my ordering to account for the sweet I want to top off the meal. I also ask my friends to share the dish. It is a great bonding tool and helps keep the calorie count in line.
 
Tip 5: Moderation is key, and enjoying yourself is always on the menu. Life is too short, but food is just part of it and not all of it.
 
I am far from perfect. Occasionally, I still overeat when I go out. But whenever I do, I hit the gym harder the next day.
 
Lisa Griffis is a regular columnist for ShareWiK.com. Visit her web site at lisagriffis.com
© ShareWiK Media Group, LLC 2009