"you are on a diet and want to dine out"

Dining Out is a concern for people who are on a diet and the temptation of ordering foods which are not suitable for them. Well, they're wrong! You definitely can still dine out, while you're on a diet and that's without cheating on your diet, too! Just make sure to make smart choices whenever you have lunch or dinner.

Don't even start thinking that you can indulge on “forbidden” foods just because you're dining out. If you truly, seriously and genuinely want to lose weight and keep it off, make sure to stick to your healthy eating habits and make smart choices when you're out at restaurants. (I say restaurants because, Chain Restaurants and fast food places do not prepare fresh healthy foods. Period.)

You don't have to avoid going out for dinner at all! Instead, enjoy restaurants while you're working to lose weight and here are some tips for choosing the best and healthiest foods while dining out:

1. Remember choosing a local established Restaurant with a personal touch.
Knowing the owners and chef can really make a difference.
Most of the time, chefs are always willing to help in choosing the right food groups for your diet.

2. When you're browsing the menu, remember the best food groups to eat: Meats, Wild Game, Fish, Seafood, Pasta and Vegetables, and remember the types of foods to avoid for those who want to lose weight: dairy, fried, anything creamy and menu items with high calories.

3. If you're not sure about a particular menu item, ask, or consult with the Chef, which will be most happy to assist with your dietary needs. It never hurts to ask what the specific ingredients of a dish are. Hey, if you want to lose weight, you have to make sure good healthy ingredients are in your dinner!

4. Sauces and dressings can always be ordered on the side. If it's a salad that you're ordering, opt for just oil (if possible Olive Oil) and vinegar instead of creamy dressings. The important thing here is to avoid the types of foods that can cause you to gain weight and creamy sauces and dressings are definitely one of them.

5. If there's an item that's usually fried, see if it can be broiled, grilled, roasted or even poached instead. These are much healthier cooking methods which you usually won’t get in chain or fast food restaurants.
Your efforts to loose weight totally depends on your willingness to choose the right kind of Dining Establishment.

6. Drink water or other liquids before you have dinner. You will have a feeling of being full and eat less. Try not to drink WHILE you're eating. This can lessen the effectiveness of your digestive system. Instead, eat slowly and don't drink until you're almost done with your meal. It helps your digestive system do its job that much more effectively. It takes 20 minutes or so for your stomach to tell you that it's full. That’s the time when you want to put that spoon or fork away.

7. Take your time when you eat and just enjoy the company of your family or friends who are dining with you. So eat slowly. This will let you really taste your food, which makes it more pleasant, and it can show your companions that you are a great listener and great company (even though you're eating slowly also to help yourself lose weight).


8. Skipping dessert all together is not an option. Save room for it! And yes, you can still enjoy dessert...with your fellow diners that is. Order a dessert and split it with whoever you're dining out with. Be it a significant other or a group of friends. Ask your waiter if its possible to get fresh fruit, sherbet or something with low calories.

So you can see, dieting and dining out do work well together.
* Remember, choosing the right kind of Restaurant with that personal touch.
* Choosing the food groups which will benefit your diet.
* If not sure, consult with your waiter or chef for recommendations.
* Order sauces or dressings on the side.
* Stay away from fried or fatty foods.
* Drink water or liquids before you have dinner
* Take your time when you eat
* Do have Dessert, except in small portions, low cal sherbet or fresh fruit.

The secret to a successful diet and losing weight while dining out is to remember those tips.
Your friends and family will admire you, your social life will improof and you will be a happier and healthier person.


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About the Author:

Reinhard Eder, Chef and Owner of Sachiko’s Porterhouse Restaurant in Lynchburg Va.
And an affiliate with EDC Diamond Marketing System helping people succeed in online Businesses, Marketing and Advertising.