[EmilyLarnder]

I'm sixteen.
This sunday, I'm going on vacation with my boyfriend and his parents to Ocean City. I try not to eat out at restaurants with my boyfriend too much, which he does all the time, because when I'm around him I tend to make bad decisions. While we're on vacation, we're going to be eating out a LOT, and I'd like some advice on self-discipline at restaurants and self-control.

[Lovely]

A good restaurant rule is: Eat half.

Restaurants have enormous portions, generally speaking, and one of the best ways to reduce your calorie intake (or keep it level) is to cut the meal in half.

Share a plate of food instead of ordering separate meals.

Also, remember that most restaurants have absolutely no problems with you being a little picky.

If you ask for something "without butter or oil" they can usually do that. You can ask for dressing on the side when it comes to salads. You can ask for your chicken to be grilled instead of breaded and fried.

Also, keep your hunger signals in mind. If you aren't hungry when your boyfriend wants something, then let him eat. You can talk and keep him company, you don't need to eat just because he is.

That should be good for a start. Have fun! Don't focus on the food!

[EmilyLarnder]

Great advice. Thank you so much!
I'm determined to NOT regret what I eat on this trip.

[sontaikle]

I agree with Lovely's points (great advice) but here's another piece that I use because I eat out with my fiancee quite frequently.

LIMIT YOUR PORTIONS. Restaurant portions are CRAZY big and should really be 2-3 meals. What I used to do is ask for a takeout box WITH my meal and put away at least half of it before I begin eating (that way it was out of sight). I don't do this anymore as I can usually just stop whenever I feel I've eaten what a "normal" portion should be

[EmilyLarnder]

That is great advice as well, thank you. (:
Sounds like a plan

[Larry H]

I try to get a look at the menu of a restaurant on-line before going there. That way I can decide in advance what I am going to order and how many calories it is.

Going to a restaurant unprepared often leaves me wondering what the healthy choices really are. It is not obvious for instance at some restaurants the salads are very high in calories, fats, and sugars. Who would have thought that?

Larry,

[EmilyLarnder]

Good idea, Larry. I'll be sure to do that.
And about salads, I hate it when you ask for a salad at a restaurant and it's all iceberg lettuce.

[April Snow]

you can order an appetizer instead of an entree to get a smaller portion but not feel like you are wasting all that food leaving it on your plate (I'm guessing that taking leftovers would not work under the circumstances).

I would also recommend trying to stay low carb to limit calories. You can get grilled meat, chicken or fish and a salad or sauteed/grilled veggies and really keep the calorie counts down.

[heathermichigan]

When I eat out, it is all about being prepared--vacation or not.
Know what the healthier choices are--check out Calorie King dot com.
Also, as others have said, try to check out restaurant websites ahead of time. And definitely no breading, fried food, creamy soups or sauces, and dressings on the side so you can control how much you put on.
Just being aware of the better choices on any menu will help you feel in control and able to make the best choices Good luck! Have fun!