Controlling portion size in restaurants
The Basics
Eating out is an enjoyable experience that need not stop just because you are following a weight loss plan. When you do eat out though, you need to take care when making meal choices.
Remember that you’re in control, so if you would like to make a few alterations to a dish, have the dressing served to the side or have a half portion, go right ahead and ask.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
- “If I leave some of my food I will offend the chef”. He or she probably won’t notice and it’s your body you should be more concerned about.
Tips and Tricks
- Decide before you set out that you are going to have just one or two courses.
- Try eating a light snack before going out e.g. a couple of crackers to take the edge off your appetite.
- Compromise – opt for a starter or a dessert (do your best not to have both!).
- If you choose dessert try to pick a fruit based dish rather than something laden with calories.
- Soup without cream or cheese is a good low calorie starter for taking the edge off your hunger – if you can’t skip the bread, dip it in the soup rather than adding butter to it.
- If you know the restaurant serves large portions ask for two starters and have one as a main course with a salad on the side.
- Never feel embarrassed to ask for your food to be prepared without butter or cream in a restaurant. If your chosen dish has a calorific sauce, request that it comes on the side so that you can choose how much to pour over your meal.
- If you are choosing steak from the menu go for the lowest weight.
- Drink a large glass of water with every meal – this is great for your digestion and will also help you to feel full. Order a bottle of water the moment you sit down.
For more expert advice see our restaurant tips
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