Eating out can be very tricky especially if you are trying to watch your weight or stay healthy and fit. Most of the foods prepared in your favourite restaurants are probably high in calories, fat, salt and sugar. Some of them even have hidden MSG on the menu!
It is best if you can cut down on dining out because cooking at home is not only cheaper, but you also have complete control of what goes onto your plate. However, sometimes it is completely unavoidable and let’s face it, we all need a day off now and then from slaving in the kitchen.
Here are some tips and tricks that will help you enjoy a meal out without having to compromise your health and fitness.
- Choose Wisely
It’s always a challenge when you dine out with friends who may not have the same concerns as you when it comes to food. It’s especially hard when you’re going for a meal with a fast food junkie. When choosing a restaurant, compromise is the key. If you can’t go somewhere that only serves healthy food, go someplace where they have options that you are comfortable with. It’s so easy to get tempted especially when everyone else is ordering something greasy and cheesy, but you have to stay focused and remind yourself of the journey that you are currently on. That said, don’t deprive yourself completely! Have a bite of that sugary treat if you must for emotional health; just remember not to overdo it.
- Order First
As soon as you get your hands on the menu, decide what you want and straight away place your order. It’s so easy to change your mind and get swayed by what everyone else at the table is ordering. Most people have a tendency of mirroring what their friends are ordering, so hopefully if you ask for a salad or some lean protein first, your friends and associates will also make similar choices that are healthy.
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- Portion Control
In this modern day and age, everything is supersized! Most servings can feed two or three people. To avoid overeating, split a meal with a friend or have your waiter separate half the portion of your meal for you to takeaway. Also, don’t be shy to ask for substitutes of certain items on the menu. Instead of having mashed potato or rice on the side, get the kitchen to replace it with vegetables instead. Also, say no to the bread basket before they put it down on the table. It’s easier to binge when the food is right in front of you.
- Rethink Your Drink
Often we forget about the calories in the drinks that we order, whether it’s an alcoholic beverage or a can of soda. One serving of sweetened tea, for instance, can have 200 to 250 calories. Although a glass of wine is only about 150 calories, some of your favourite cocktails can be well over 300 or 350 calories. The wise thing to do is not to order any drink with your meal. Drinking too soon after meal or during meal will dilute the digestive juice and affect your digestion. Drink at least 30 minutes before your meal and at least 1 hour after meal. If you must have a few sips, ask for a glass of water with some lemon slices or a cup of herbal tea.
- Slow Down
Your digestive system takes at least 20 minutes to communicate to your brain and let it know that you are full. If you eat too quickly, you’ll be over-stuffed by the time you receive that signal. Take your time when you are eating; enjoy the flavours in your mouth and chew slowly. Engage in conversation to help you do that and for goodness sake, put away your mobile devices!
Taking ½-1 teaspoon of N.Zimes PA Plus™ before or after each meal goes a long way. N.Zimes PA Plus™ contains a broad spectrum of enzymes that our body needs to break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized. This helps prevent bloating, flatulence, indigestion and auto-intoxication.
- Drink This Elixir
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Before leaving the house for your night out, drink a glass of distilled water mixed with a tablespoon or two of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar together with ¼ teaspoon K-Salt. The insoluble fibre found in the natural elixir will help you feel full with less food. The fibre will also decrease the likelihood of you overeating on unhealthy foods between meals. K-Salt helps restore electrolyte balance of potassium and sodium, hence preventing water retention in your body due to excess sodium in the food. Add these together, and you have the recipe for weight loss success!
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Weight-Watcher Tip:
Here are a few more of our products that could help you curb hunger and control that relentless appetite, while improving your health!
1-2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
1 sachet of ColostrumX or 1 sachet of Super Green Food ++ with ¼ teaspoon of K-Salt.
1 tablespoon of Omega Gold Flax Seed Oil in a small cup of yogurt.
1 glass of Honegar (Honey mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of distilled water) with 1 teaspoon of Herbal Klenz Powder.
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