TIPS FOR WHEN EATING OUT

Busy losing weight or finally being more conscious about food and someone asks you out to dinner? Don't panic!

Even during social occasions (such as eating out), it is possible to keep your goal in mind and make the right choices. So avoiding these social occasions is definitely not necessary. Eating out is one of my hobbies and I love doing it with friends and girlfriends. I would consider it a shame not to do this anymore. Finding a balance in this is very important in my opinion. For this reason, I have the following tips for you so that the next time you go out to dinner, you too can just go carefree without panicking and thinking your whole week of hard work has been for nothing. You really don't need to.

Tip 1: Keep in mind during the day
Eat a little lighter during the day so that you have some slack in the evening. When eating out, you usually don't know during the day what you will order that evening. That's why it's smart to start thinking about it during the day. Do you already know what you are going to eat? Then this is obviously a little easier, but even then: keep it in mind. It is always an estimate.

Tip 2: No bread beforehand
Once at the table, bread is usually served right away. Bread is not the devil, but you quickly eat too much of this and so your supper becomes even more calorific. Especially if you take bread with butter. And why eat bread beforehand? At home, you (usually) don't do that either. My tip: it's better to leave this out.

Tip 3: Choose one or two courses
A multi-course menu is not compulsory. I usually stick to just a starter and a main course.

Tip 4: Choose lean

Look at the menu and choose lean meat or fish such as chicken, steak, white fish and shellfish. This is because that way you get your portion of protein but not too many calories.

Tip 5: Ask for extra vegetables

Vitamins are important, especially now that it is getting colder. Vegetables are often forgotten, but I also want to get my vitamins and minerals while eating out. Therefore: always ask for extra vegetables.

Tip 6: Sauces and dressings served separately request

Whenever I order a salad or steak, I always ask if the sauces and dressings can be served separately. These are usually high in calories, so I prefer not to eat too much of them. If I ask separately, I can dose it myself and then it's more in control.

Tip 7: Skip dessert

I know; desserts are delicious but they usually contain more calories than your main and entrees combined. So these are better skipped for this reason. What I do: I usually order a delicious mint tea or coffee to enjoy afterwards.

Tip 8: Stick to one drink

Do you like to drink a nice glass of wine when dining out? Me too! Then keep it to just one glass and opt for sparkling blue, sparkling red or a light drink. This saves on calories and is also better against that hangover the day after.

Apply these tips the next time you eat out. This way, you will still work towards your goals, but also have a super fun evening with your friends/colleagues/family. Enjoy!