| Research is key when it comes to eating out and | | | | we eat at home most of us just have a main |
| maintaining a healthy diet. A great way to ensure | | | | mean but eating out means that we are tempted |
| there are no nasty surprises is to check if the | | | | by starters and desserts. If you know that you |
| restaurant has a website. Most restaurant | | | | will not be able to resist a little extra then why |
| websites will display a copy of their menu and | | | | not share a starter or dessert with a friend, |
| recently more and more restaurants are showing | | | | allowing you to enjoy the taste but for half the |
| the nutritional information of their dishes allowing | | | | calories! Alternatively try and opt for healthier |
| guests to check the calorific value of dishes. | | | | options such as clear soups for starter and fruit |
| By doing this before you go for your meal you | | | | salad for dessert. |
| can decide what to eat beforehand and avoid | | | | In a society where everyone is in a rush, having a |
| ordering something you shouldn’t. If a menu is | | | | meal out often means having some time to relax |
| not available then try and be the first person at | | | | and enjoy yourself. Slowing down is a great way |
| the table to order - this will stop you being | | | | of keeping an eye on your weight. Try putting |
| swayed by the choices of others. | | | | down your knife and fork frequently during the |
| Learning how to read the menu is another key | | | | meal and taking part in the conversation. By doing |
| for successful dining out. Sometimes it’s hard | | | | so, not only will you have more fun but you will |
| to tell how a dish has been cooked or what is in it | | | | also feel fuller quicker and give your body the |
| just by looking at the menu. Never be afraid to | | | | time to digest your food. |
| ask the waiter for more details, after all, the | | | | Finally, remember that dining out is supposed to |
| customer is always right. Ask for sauces on the | | | | be fun! By sticking to these simple rules you can |
| side and salads without dressing – whatever | | | | make sure that eating out no longer needs to |
| you need to keep you on track. Also don’t | | | | mean blowing your diet and by planning ahead and |
| be afraid to ask to swap accompaniments such | | | | choosing well you can continue striving to lose |
| as chips for extra salad or new potatoes. | | | | weight fast without depriving yourself of some |
| Keeping an eye on your portions is important in | | | | fun. |
| ensuring you don’t put on the pounds. When | | | | |