Eating Clean While Eating Out

Heeeelllloooo <3

Did you know that eating out is about THREE times the amount of calories that you would consume making dinner at home!?

When I first started eating clean I had so much trouble whenever anyone asked me to go out for dinner or lunch. I didn't want to be rude and say no but I also didn't want to go and eat enough calories to last me my next 3 days. These following tips help me TREMENDOUSLY to stay on track and still enjoy myself :)

Tip #1: Pick the restaurant! Stay away from big chain restaurants (Chili's, Cheesecake Factory, etc.) and try a smaller place. Look up the menu in advance and see if there are any yummy foods that still keep you eating healthy.

Tip #2: NEVER leave the house starving. When that waiter walks by with that basket of bread and asks if you want a roll, it's way easier to say no if you had a little something before you leave your house. Even a full glass of water or a piece of fruit so that you're not famished!

Tip #3: Avoid foods that have the words "crispy", "buttery", "breaded", "smothered", or "covered in cream sauce." I think this tip speaks for itself ;)

Tip #4: Ask about their soups. Soups are usually filling, easy, and don't come with extra sides. Go for a broth based soup and avoid any cream soups.

Tip #5: Before your entree hits the table, decide how much of it you're going to eat. "I will be done when I eat a quarter of my entree, and all of my greens."

Tip #6: Going back to Tip #3, if you absolutely, really want to get an entree with one of those words, ask the waiter if they can hold the butter or oil. Almost everything can be modified for you. I worked in the service industry so I definitely can vouch for this one ;)

Tip #7: Eat the foods with the lowest calories on your plate first.

Tip #8: When you're done, put your napkin over your plate. This helps prevent you from picking at it and signals the waiter that you're done so he/she can take the plate. If you want to take it home, I suggest asking for a box as soon as the entree is dropped so that when you decide you're done you don't have to wait on the waiter (haha, unintentional pun).

Tip #9: Follow the three bite rule. If there's something that's completely unhealthy but you just HAVE to have it, take 3 bites. The first bite is because this is delicious and I love sweets and I'm going to eat this! The second bite is because I am ENJOYING it and I can control myself. And the third bite, is because I'm satisfied.

And last but not least...

Tip #10: Watch the cocktails!!! Each cocktail has tons of sugar and empty-calories your body doesn't need. Alcohol never leads to good decisions and you'll regret getting that big piece of chocolate cake when you wake up the next morning! :D

Hope this will help you plan your weekend festivities :)

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