When I first joined, I avoided restaurants for several months. Not because WW told me to, but because I knew I was not emotionally ready to deal with it. I knew the temptation for my 'old way of eating' would be too great and I would succumb. After I was on plan for a while and was comfortable with the idea, I started going out again. And I developed some rules and strategies:
- I limit my meals out to 2 per week.
- I remind myself that I am there to eat, yes, but I am likely there for some other experience- most likely the company.
- I ONLY eat out at some place I love. I will not waste points on food I'm not crazy about! I've walked out of restaurants after being seated if I am not happy with the menu, and I have no problem with this.
- I tend to go to Thai and Japanese places since I have the most options as a vegetarian and a Weight Watcher.
- I plan my entire day around it: I cut points from the other meals, so I have more points for the meal out. I also use my activity and or flex points if necessary.
- I make sure to get my yogurt/dairy and fruit in that day before dining out, since I am least likely to get those food groups in when I am dining out.
- I avoid anything fried/greasy (lots of points and not appealing to me anyway) and check the menu for the healthiest options.
- I opt for grilled/steamed choices, and lots of vegetables.
- I order things that I can't cook at home. Because if I *can* make it, I know I can make it healthier and in a lower point version, so why settle for their version?
- I rarely get an appetizer - and if I do, it's something like steamed broccoli, edemame or a salad.
- With salads, I use only vinegar or lemon juice. But if you get real dressing - ask for it on the side. A great WW tip: Do not pour the dressing on your salad. Dip your fork into the dressing before you dip it into the salad. You will get salad dressing in every bite and not use half as much!
- If I'm ordering something with ingredients I do not want, I make sure to ask they not be included.
- If I want something like a quesadilla, I specifically ask for HALF THE CHEESE. My theory on this is: A quesadilla is mostly cheese. I don't need 8 ounces of cheese to taste cheese. They can drizzle the cheese on and I can still taste it fine. Why waste all those points- not to mention fat and calories? It's overkill!
- With Asian cuisine, most entrees come with rice. I specifically ask for them to NOT bring the rice. Again, I could have it on plan, but to me, rice is not worth the points. I would rather save those points for a better entree, appetizer, dessert or cocktail. And if the rice is there, I will likely eat it.
- If it's a really large portion, I cut it in half and only consume half. I take the rest home for another meal.
- I estimate the points as carefully as I can, but realize it's not an exact science and I accept that fact.
- And the most important rule for dining out: If I make any mistakes during my dining experience, I forgive myself and move on! Start over immediately at the next meal.
You are so right!! I REFUSE to go eat food at a restaurant that I can make at home. And since I have been dieting, I will only really go out for thai, japanese, or indian. I know the indian is bad, but oh, I love it so! So, I eat reasonably, don't take the leftovers home, and don't beat myself up over it.
ReplyDeleteI have had Indian ONCE since joining WW- and it was when Laurie came to NY. After all, that was a special occasion!
ReplyDeleteLove this post!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I was proud of myself last night. While I'm also of the mind that I'd rather eat something different when out, especially if it's something I can make at home, my friend chose a diner to meet up at.
So, I planned. I know I can eat grape leaves (but two is a serving size) I can always default to my eggs, so to be on the safe side, I did. She, of course, had home fries. What did I do? I specifically ordered ONE scrambled egg on whole wheat toast and some tomato slices...and I was VERY adamant about the no butter rule. To fix my home fries craving, I ordered a baked potato with chives, no butter or sour cream (they don't do FF, sadly!) and ate half of it because I was FULL!
To me? That was a huge non-scale victory since I almost always blow it when I go out. I focused on the company and not the food. And I felt victorious.
Soon, I will graduate to other restaurants. I'm getting re-used to planning ahead in baby steps. I'd rather keep it safe for the time being so I don't blow it.
Er, sorry that was a long comment!
I agreed with everything you said!!
ReplyDeleteFirst, SELECT the food you put into your body, and exced only ONCE, but it MUST be for something i REALLY like ahahahhhaha!!
BUT I have a quetion for you... How would you have behaved the day before yesterday, when Claudio cooked me a carbonara pasta that was a gross???
I could have told him "Sweetie, this pasta isn't what I exactly like, so, since you know I'm caring what I eat, don't feel offended, but I'm not going to eat it"...
Well, I ate it.
Such a stupid behaviour and sicky lunch!!!!
Brilliance! I used to be the master planner of meals. I am neurotic about food anyway, but since having kids, I've gotten very lazy and very bad at planning (I blame sleep deprivation. Reading all of your successes and your advice is kicking my ass into gear! Thank you dear Bitchcakes! I can't wait to squish you!
ReplyDeleteLore- glad to have that affect on you. And the feeling is mutual- prepare to be squished!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks for the reminder. I have failed with stretching for two days now..
ReplyDeleteMy blog is new, more chatter later, but you are welcome to visit my world sometime. http://www.PatriciasMagicalSanctuaryBlog.com