Ordering Right in Restaurants For Weight Loss

Five Quick Tips for Ordering Right in Restaurants For Weight Loss

We’ve all been there!  We’re a week or two into our “diet” and we have been invited out to dinner and drinks with our friends.  Now we’re feeling conflicted:  “I haven’t seen them in a while.  I really want to go.  But I have done so well, I don’t want to mess up.  Will there be anything I can eat?”

Check the menu online!  Most restaurants have a website that includes their menu.  This will allow you to review the menu quietly before you arrive at the restaurant.  It will allow you to make a decision without the influence of your dining companions, and avoid being put on the spot regarding your dietary choices.

Call ahead!  If you have looked at the menu and have any questions at all, call the restaurant!  This will allow you to ask how the food is prepared without bringing (potentially unwanted) attention to your concerns in the restaurant.

Read the menu!  Most restaurants do a pretty good job describing their food.  Normally because descriptive words are shown to improve the perception of a menu item.  But, that is good for someone watching what they eat.  If it says steamed, poached, roasted, or broiled, it is likely a good choice.  If it says crispy, cream sauce, fried, etc – it may be something to avoid!

Sauces on the Side!  Many salads, pastas, steaks, etc. come smothered in sauces (i.e. calories).  Ask for your sauces on the side.  You can then control the amount of extra calories and sugar that is added to your meal.  If you want some extra flavor, and are unsure of the ingredients of a sauce or dressing, as for balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and use it to make your own dressing/sauce – keeping it gluten/sugar free!

Get to know your waiter!  Your waiter is in the service industry.  Most of them want to really help you find the right dish.  Don’t be afraid to ask how something is prepared.  Be nice.  Be courteous.  Ask them:  How big is the portion?  How is it prepared?  Is there a smaller portion of this item?

If you follow these five steps when ordering in a restaurant, you will be well on your way to meeting your weight loss goals without being derailed by a fun, social night out with friends!

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Originally from the Midwest, Amy moved to San Diego in 2001. A graduate of Valparaiso University, Amy had been a Financial Advisor since 1997. When Amy began taking Pilates with her neighbor Wendy, in 2006, she fell in love with the method and benefits of the program and knew she wanted to help others achieve their fitness goals. It was not until Amy took her first barre class that she discovered her true passion for fitness. She loved the challenge and energy of each class. And more importantly, she was excited by the results as her body became more toned than through any other workout routine she had tried in the past. Amy would be one of the best testimonials for Fit in 60 Pilates and Barre. In less than a month’s time, attending 4-5 classes a week, Amy went from a size 10/12 to a size 6. She came home one day and told her husband, Mike that “if every girl knew this, every girl would do it.” Amy is passionate about getting to know her clients and provide modifications and corrections to challenge every client, while making classes as safe as possible. Amy lives in Carlsbad with her husband, Mike, and her dog Emma. She loves what she does, and is thrilled to present the Fit in 60 workout to Carlsbad and Carmel Valley and is eager to help women look and feel great!