Weight Loss Article - Dieting and Dining Out

"My husband asked me out to dinner and it has been years since he's done this. Do you really expect me not to go?!"

Not at all! Have a great time! So long as it isn't a habit to make heavy meals your nightcap, you will be just fine. From time to time, you will want to let yourself go and this is totally acceptable. In fact, we encourage it as part of the pleasure constituent of our weight management programs.

We're going to tell you straight out that some diet programs don't go well with dining out without some care and consideration. Most people tend to go out to dinner later in the evening, and when only an hour or two separates you from bedtime, it is difficult for the body to metabolize the foods you eat.

Our bodies are built to support fasting during the night so that our body systems are "primed" in the morning. When you subject the body to foods just prior to sleep (the time when your metabolism is at its lowest), almost everything you eat can turn to fat.

Ideally, you should have your last meals before 7:00pm depending on your typical bedtime unless told differently. Dining out is a great experience for the most part, and for the couple who rarely finds time alone, it can be quite the escape. We aren't going to tell you that you shouldn't eat out, we're only suggesting that you follow some guidelines that can ensure and protect your success.

When dining out, try and adhere to the following guidelines to help limit or even eliminate the damage. Remember, dining out is not forbidden and there should not be any thoughts of regret or panic. By adopting the following strategy you can enjoy your meal and stay on track at the same time!

Eat each of your other meals as though it was just another typical day. This way, by the time you reach the restaurant, you will have a steady blood sugar level. This will help you stay lucid enough to make the right decisions.

Salads are great, but they aren't a meal. Just eating a lonely ol' salad would be the wrong choice, both from a psychological and physiological point of view. You'll only sulk and feel sorry for yourself while the others are treating themselves to hearty meals. You can have lettuce anytime, you are here to eat! When reading the menu, the following foods make the best choices for entrees:

          - Broiled or grilled fish and/or seafood (not stuffed with butter!)
          - Broiled or grilled lean meats
          - Broiled or grilled chicken
          - Vegetables with little or no salad dressing

Avoid the obvious. It's probably common sense, but you will want to stay away from fried foods, foods drenched in butter, and foods laced with sour cream, mayonnaise or heavy sauces. Instead of an appetizer, try a salad or some grilled vegetables.

Beware of fattening desserts. If you really want to test your willpower, stare at a restaurant's dessert menu without ordering anything. While it may be difficult to avoid the incredible desserts, most have found that ordering fresh fruit for dessert is a wonderful alternative. Every bite tastes sweeter than the last because you are not only enjoying a treat, but you are protecting your progress. If you do cave in, don't panic, you haven't destroyed anything.

Choose your beverage wisely. As a drink, water with lemon, fruit juice and tomoto juice are all fine choices. While water is most recommended, there is just something about a nice glass of wine with dinner. Understand that alcoholic beverages are heavy in calories and while the taste may be superior to water, the results are not so superior. If you absolutely must enjoy a glass of beer or wine with dinner, please limit it to just one glass with the entree.

Enjoy your meal! While we can't grant you carte blanche to go hog wild at the restaurant, please do what you can to try and enjoy yourself without feeling guilty. A small lapse from your usual diet is not the end of the world, in fact, it's actually beneficial.

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