Almost everybody likes to enjoy a nice meal with friends and family at a restaurant, but there are so many factors involved with it that could ultimately wreck your diet. Being able to eat at restaurants without overeating isn’t as difficult as you might think. It really only takes a little bit of planning and willpower to turn your dreaded dinner into a memorable moment.
Say “No, Thank You” to Appetizers
Those tasty appetizers might be flying around the table, but that does not mean you have to eat some. Let your fellow diners have all they want and sit back as your waistline stays relatively the same size. Simply saying “no, thank you” to appetizers is a great way to eat at a restaurant without overeating. After all, when was the last time you were hungry for an entire entrée after devouring an appetizer?
Treat Your Favorite Appetizer like an Entrée
Perhaps there is a particular appetizer on the menu that you have a certain hankering for and you wish to go ahead and enjoy it. There is a way to do this without overeating in the process. Use your favorite appetizer as your entrée, ordering more than one if portion size is an issue. Just be sure to choose options that make the dish a little less fattening, such as putting dressing or sauces on the side or opting for low-calorie add-ons.
Opt for Water or Milk as Your Beverage
Sometimes you feel hungry simply because you’re actually thirsty. However, it can be tempting to be inside a restaurant and eat too much. In order to eat at a restaurant without overeating in the process, just drink water or milk with your meal instead of soda or alcohol. You will most likely still feel refreshed between bites but you won’t have to fill your stomach with excess calories, sugars, or fillers to do so.
Skip Dessert or Share with a Friend
Dessert may be the best part of the meal, but you are going to have to find new ways of enjoying your dining experience if you don’t want to overeat. Just like the appetizer you should probably say no to this end-of-the-meal dish. Although others might be gorging themselves on sugary sweets, you don’t have to. Still have a sweet tooth to satisfy? Ask someone in your dining party to share a small dessert with you and have the best of both worlds.
