Eating Out and How to do it Right

Eating out is one of the hardest parts of being healthy. Or at least for me it is. When I eat out, I want to splurge...cheeseburger, fries, coke, appetizers, desserts. I want it all! However, if you want any sort of success in your weight loss journey, you have to learn what kinds of food to order in a restaurant.

Mexican food is my absolute favorite. I love everything about it...especially the free chips and salsa. But now when I go to a Mexican restaurant, I ask them to please hold the chips and salsa. The temptation is just too much. As for my actual meal, I used to order a chicken chimichanga with beans and rice. But now I have taught myself to order on the  lighter side, which includes a grilled chicken salad (no cheese) and a side of pico de gallo to use as my dressing. It is delicious!! Another option I choose is a veggie fajita (this is best to split with someone else as they are usually HUGE). I also skip the flour tortillas and beans and rice. It's still yummy without it!!

The main things to look for when ordering at a restaurant are:

• no fried foods! (baked, broiled, blackened, and grilled are okay)
• substitute veggies (Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, side salad) instead of fries, chips or a baked potato
• when ordering a salad, ask for fat free dressing; again, be sure to order grilled meat on this; also ask for no croutons or crackers, bacon, and limit the cheese (I usually ask for no cheese)
• choose turkey or veggie burger if offered (and go easy on the condiments!)

You can even follow these guidelines when eating at a fast food restaurant. Wendy's is the best, because their salads are actually delicious and healthy (as long as you get the half-size, and limit the amount of dressing used).

These are just some basic rules and guidelines that I follow when going out to eat with friends and family. It's not hard, it just takes some practice and will power. Trust me, I know how tempting those mozzarella cheese sticks and french fries sound...but don't do it!! You have to make these lifestyle changes a daily habit. If you think about it like that, it will get easier each time. :)