Dining Out

We are all obviously faced with the opportunity to eat socially on occasion. Eating socially often means your meal options are somewhat limited, especially when it comes to keeping a clean diet and eating to support your goals.

So how do you enjoy meals with your friends and family without sacrificing all of your hard work? Well, there are a few things I like to pay attention to to keep me on track, while I still get to enjoy good food and good company :)

1. Start by eating someplace that seats your party and leaves you with a menu for a few minutes. Most of these places have options that actually require preparation (vs. pre-made, sat under a heating lamp for ten minutes kind of meal). This isn't necessarily a rule, but having a few minutes with your menu will also allow a more deliberate decision :)

2. Order water. Duh. 0 calories...and really, soda is bad for you. BAD FOR YOU. Even that diet stuff.

3. Look for lean proteins on the menu. Turkey breast, chicken breast, sirloin steaks, and white fishes (also, salmon is usually pretty safe).

4. Opt for vegetables rather than pastas and breads. Vegetables are amazing! They have vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. They are a key part of true, natural healthy living. AND along with all that nutrition (that you wouldn't get from your pasta or dinner roll), vegetables also have a much lower caloric density:) You can eat more (volume) without eating more:) I also love baked sweet potatoes, when they are available :)

5. What is your meal dressed with? Creamy sauces are packed with fats and simple sugars. Flour and butter and cream...calories...and usually calories that lack nutrition. Look for vinaigrette (because salads are almost always a safe choice), ask for the sauce or dressing on the side (you always get too much anyway). Is your food even dressed? Or is it seasoned? Seasonings will add SOO much flavor and dimension to your food :) Oh, and watch out for butter...you can ALWAYS ask for something to be left out or put on the side. YOU ARE PAYING FOR IT.

6. Get a box! Ask for it when you order your meal :) portion your food for the night and save the rest for tomorrow! Meal prep! Or you can share with a friend or a date:) I'll bet there is going to be plenty of food for two bellies (maybe more). Save some money $$$ and save your hard work!

I ate at Outback Steakhouse with my brothers, sister-in-law, and nephew last night:) I ordered the Sesame Salad, and it was AMAZING. Grilled chicken breast, salad greens, almonds, sesame seeds, and an amazing dressing on the side:) Guilt factor: 00000!!! and oh, so delicious!