Top Tips For Eating Out!

Eating out may seem like a tricky proposition when you're trying to lose weight, but a night out doesn't have to mean a night off your plan.

 

Be prepared
If you're starving hungry when you get to the restaurant you're more likely to order an option that you may not otherwise. Have a bowl of zero ProPoints value soup to take the edge off your hunger before you head out.
If you're not familiar with the restaurant, look up their menu online before going out.
Remember you have your weekly ProPoints allowance of 49 for special occasions just like this!

Start off on the right foot
Order a bowl of soup before your meal — not a creamy soup, but a stock-based vegetable or French onion. It will be satisfying and can keep you from eating more than you planned.
Start with a side salad (minus bacon, cheese and croutons). Ask for low fat or fat free dressing or balsamic vinegar on the side; and be sure to dip your fork into the dressing, then into the salad.

Have it your way
Know what you want to eat before you get there and stick to that order.
Avoid anything fried.
Ask for dressings, sauces, butter and sour cream on the side, instead of on the dish itself.
Choose lighter fare like marinara sauce rather than Alfredo.
Order dishes containing plenty of Filling & Healthy foods. "Even if it's pizza, make it a slice loaded up with veggies," says one Community User. "Or a vegetable omelette instead of a cheese one, or fruit salad instead of pastry."
Adapt your order and ask for substitutions. "My favourite salad at my local cafe comes with fried chicken," says another Community User. "But I always request it with grilled chicken. I think it tastes better and it cuts down the ProPoints values."

Manage your size
If you're eating at a buffet, survey the food items before you put anything on your plate. Remind yourself that you're eating to be satisfied, not to get your money's worth.
If the portions are large, why not ask if you can get a smaller portion of the item you order. If not, ask for a takeaway box with the meal. Before you start to eat, put half the meal in the box.
Split your main course with the person you're with. If you have the impulse to finish everything on your plate, it's better to not have all that food in front of you.
If you know the portions are larger than you want to eat, order a starter as your main course. Source: http://www.weightwatchers.co.uk/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=3&art_id=29341&sc=3030