1. Master the bread basket.
When it comes to dining out at a restaurant, one of the thorniest problems facing weight-conscious people is the bread basket dilemma. We all know that we should not consume the bread, or for the smallest quantity, not the whole basket. The question is: How?
This tool allows you to decide how you will deal with this dilemma even before you arrive at the restaurant. Best of all, you’ll have options. (You can adapt this tool to help Mexican and Chinese restaurants, which often offer taco or fried noodle dishes.)
• Ask your waiter not to bring bread.
• If you’re going to be inside a restaurant somewhere where you know the bread is especially delicious, ask your server to serve everyone individually (in case one person wants more than one slice).
• Bring a pack of sugar free gum so you can exercise while you wait.
• Eat it if only if it’s whole grain.
• Eat bread only with your meal.
• I live it as your main meal with a salad.
• Just eat it if it’s warm.
• Ask with the intention that a plate of peeled vegetables be placed in front of you at the same time the bread is served.
• Delay your intake as long as you can. Once you start, it’s harder to stop.
2. Order from the hidden menu.
Chances are you’ll hit the same restaurants that almost didn’t finish and finished again, so you already know what’s on the menu. So why start and physically tempt with the dishes you know you shouldn’t eat? The trick: Pretend you’re not thinking about the menu. it’s hidden. Now, order the low-fat, low-calorie healthy food you know is inside. Things like a failed rye sandwich with lettuce, tomato and mustard, with a cup of bean soup. Or the grilled salmon with baby red potatoes (keep the butter) and a pick-me-up salad (low-calorie dressing on the side). When you help the hidden menu, dual nachos and Reuben sandwiches become visible and stale your plate.
3. Say “steam please.”
Get into the routine of ordering steamed vegetables instead of dunking them in butter or unloading them with cheese sauce. It’s worth remembering that steamed vegetables are nutritious, low in calories, and generally valuable. If you don’t see them on the menu or on the board with the intention of listing the specials, ask. While some restaurants dip their seasonal vegetables in butter or cheese sauce, others will accommodate your request.
4. Make portions a doddle.
If you go to a restaurant with the intention of often serving large portions, ask your server if you can get a half-size portion. Otherwise, ask him to partially wrap your main course before even placing your plate in front of you. Save it for lunch tomorrow.
5. Or share a sinful post.
Do you want with the intention of forbidden portion of fettuccine Alfredo? Ask a fellow party member if he would like to split it. Don’t feel uncomfortable. Perhaps he also wants to splurge and will gladly accept his offer.
6. Hydrate while you’re out there.
As you wait for your food to arrive, drink tall glasses of ice-cold water instead of an alcoholic beverage. Not only will you pick up your daily H2O requirement, but you’ll be more likely to apply moderation. (Alcohol loosens our inhibitions, making us more likely to think, “To hell with this!” and ask for death with chocolate cake instead of dessert.)
7. Finish your meal European style.
If you’re still hungry, treat yourself to a professional fresh fruit dessert. If you don’t picture it on the menu, ask anyway. Many restaurants consume fresh oranges, grapes, melons and strawberries as garnishes. And most chefs will happily cater to its appeal.