Eating Out

Eating Out is Okay
Article By: Michelle Olson


Don't banish restaurant meals from your social calendar. Here are some smart ways to incorporate eating out into your healthy eating plan.
It's halfway through February, and your resolve is still strong. Your game plan: avoid restaurant meals. You're even bringing a brown bag lunch to work!
But what happens when eating out becomes inevitable? Don't beg off when your boss invites you to lunch or your best friend wants to go to her favorite restaurant for her birthday. Just learn how to eat out wisely.
The "SMART" way to eat out
You've probably heard your Leader or other meetings members mention that no foods are off-limits with Weight Watchers — not even restaurant meals! You just have to learn how to include your favorite types of foods into your daily or weekly POINTS® Allowance. Making wise food choices can be particularly challenging at a restaurant. That's why eating "SMART" will help you manage. Here's how to do it:
SimpleScan the menu for simple food options. Grilled chicken and vegetables, a 4-ounce steak with a side salad, and baked potato or broth-based soup are all options that are fairly straightforward. You know what you're ordering and there's less of a chance you'll be surprised with fattening additions.
MenuWhenever possible, browse the menu beforehand. Many restaurants have their menus posted on their Web site or are willing to email or fax a copy to you. If you decide which foods you'll order before you arrive, you'll be less tempted to make poor decisions when you're there.
AppetizersConsider ordering two appetizers, or an appetizer and side salad as your entree. Keep in mind that menu portion sizes are often double the size of a regular serving size or more. Ordering small plates is a great way of practicing portion control.
RequestDon't be shy to ask your server for special requests or additions that will make your meal more sensible. Ordering steamed vegetables instead of fries and salad dressing on the side are common requests that most restaurants will be happy to fulfill.
TryExperiment with new foods that offer better nutritional benefits and fewer calories than your "usual" meal. And try new restaurants. There are a few, like Applebee's, that make a point of offering healthy selections on their menus.
Now that you know how to eat "SMART", get out there and put your restaurant knowledge to the test. And don't forget to check out The Restaurant Finder on for information on POINTS values for many popular restaurants.