How to Eat Out While Enjoying Guilt-Free Meal

Also, see MRC Nutritional Guide to Eating Out.

Are you fearful of falling off the wagon because you've been invited to eat out? Read on. If you make good decisions and follow these tips, you can enjoy the experience. When managing your weight, you are going to want to eat out with friends or family at times. The trick to eating wisely starts by avoiding culprits like those listed below:

• Select Smaller Meals - In today's weight-conscious world, ordering an appetizer or healthy side dish instead of a regular entrée is common practice. You still enjoy eating out but these are usually served on smaller plates in smaller amounts.
• Right Size Portions - Do not supersize it; instead, right size your portions even when eating out. As prices have increased, many restaurants have increased their portion sizes. Be smart and take home a doggie bag.
• Ask for More Vegetables - Many restaurants and most fast food franchises are aware that some consumers are choosing to eat healthier. You can oft times ask to substitute additional vegetables in trade for less healthy sides at no additional cost.
• Small Amounts Count - Taste your food first as even small amounts can add up fast. Consider substituting high sugar or high fat condiments with lemon juice, peppers and mustards. Always order sauces or gravy on the side.
• Avoid Trendy Drinks - You may feel trendy ordering a bottle of vitamin-infused water when dining out. Nonetheless, that brightly hued glass of H2O consists of vitamins added to sugar water and is loaded with hidden calories.

Whether you're dining out with friends or meeting an associate at your favorite coffee shop, you can keep your weight management plan intact by following a few tips and making smart food choices, so you don't leave the restaurant feeling guilty. If you're on a diet, you already know that eating out can be tricky. Since you are likely limiting calories, ask your server for help with the menu and make smart choices.

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Most restaurant meals were not created to be weight loss friendly and some are unhealthy. It is entirely possible to eat out without causing havoc to your weight loss or weight management program. Download the Tips For Eating Out guidelines from the National Institute of Health and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for additional advice on eating at franchise food chains.