Can I Exercise Portion Control and Still Enjoy Eating Out?
Friday, May 15th, 2009
The answer is ‘Yes’ because eating at home or eating out, the guidelines are the same. You can continue to follow a portion control eating plan when you dine out because the choices you make about what you eat and how much you consume should remain the same. A balanced healthy meal is available to you when you dine out, provided you ask for it!
The obvious up side about eating in restaurants is that there is a wide selection of dishes available to you and some one else prepares your meal and even clears away dirty dishes! There are however some downsides for those managing their food portions. Restaurants often serve meals that are way too large. All-you-can-eat buffets are disastrous if you are unable to control and manage the portions you eat. Avoid this type of restaurant, at least in the beginning of your journey towards controlled eating.
Even if dining out provides some challenges to those just beginning to enjoy the benefits of portion control eating, restaurants do expect special requests from patrons with special dietary needs. You have these, so make sure you ask that they be accommodated. Ask your server to hold the sauce, substitute a salad for fries, or hold the bread. Some restaurants will allow you to order from the lunch or children’s menu, so don’t hesitate to ask.
When it comes to dessert, you have options that will see you keeping the integrity of your healthy eating without appearing that you are going without. Fresh fruit is a healthy alternative to a very rich caloric dessert so order this or just ask for a coffee.. If you crave a sweeter dessert make sure you eat only a small amount or share it with you partner or a friend.
As you dine out, consider these tips so that you can continue to lose weight:
- Only eat a main course
- Don’t fill your self with bread before the meal begins, one slice only
- Drink water before your meal and while you eat
- Restrict your alcohol, one glass can go a long way
- Make sure that you food is cooked healthily; baked, broiled, steamed or baked
- Skip fried foods, a couple of French fries only if you weaken
- Ask that sauces, sour cream or butter be served ‘on the side’ and use only a little
- Select food portion just as you do at home
- Request that no food is sautéed for you
- Fresh fruit for dessert
- Avoid any large meal regardless of the ‘value’
- Ask for the kid’s menu for adequate sized portions
Regardless of where you eat, take time to savor the flavors, textures, and aroma of your food. Enjoy eating this and allow sufficient time for your stomach to learn (from your brain) that you have eaten enough. Resist eating until you have over eaten because the damage will already have been done. As you begin to feel full, reduce your eating and then stop and push your plate to one side. This is an important step in the process of potion controlled eating and can be taken either privately at home or publicly in a restaurant.
Warm Regards
Rowena French
![]()
For The Team @MightyDigitalDownloads.com
Rowena French uses responsible portion control to successfully manage her own weight and her family’s health. Tired of dieting without success? Sign up to my free magazine to learn more about how to use portion control for healthy, permanent weight loss. If you haven’t already subscribed to my free product sample, watch my preview video for more information about the whole portion control package.



