Staying On Track While Eating Out
Published 2023-05-07 by Louise Moorey
Share |
Eating out can be a great way to socialise and try new foods, but it can also be a challenge if you’re trying to stay on track with your health and fitness goals. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, maintain your current weight, or simply eat healthier, there are ways to enjoy a meal out without sabotaging your progress.
In this post, I’ll share some tips and tricks for staying on track while eating out.
1. Don’t go out hungry. It’s easy to overindulge when you’re famished, so make sure you eat breakfast and lunch before heading out. Prioritise protein and veggies in your meals to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
2. Do your usual workout or walk. Don’t add in extra cardio as punishment for eating out. Exercise is about health, not just burning calories. Stick to your regular exercise routine and focus on feeling good rather than punishing yourself for enjoying a meal.
3. Check-in with yourself halfway through your meal. Take a break and ask yourself if you’re still hungry. Stop eating when you feel full. It can take about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you’re full, so take your time and savour your meal.
4. Choose your ‘hell yes’. Rather than trying to resist everything on the menu, choose what you’re really excited about and enjoy it. For example, if you have a sweet tooth, consider having a dessert instead of a starter. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
5. Avoid extremes. Don’t try to massively restrict your calories the next day to ‘make up’ for eating out. Simply get back to your normal routine and trust that one meal out won’t derail your progress.
6. Stop stressing! Remember, one meal out is not going to undo all your hard work. What we do most of the time matters most. Enjoy your meal, savour the experience, and move on.
Eating out doesn’t have to be a struggle. By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy a meal out without sabotaging your progress. It’s all about balance and finding a lifestyle that you can sustain in the long term. Enjoy your meal and enjoy the company of those around you!