I know for myself that now that I have started eating out very little (I only go out if it's a social event and then only once a week or less) I have noticed some positive changes. One is portion size! I always cleaned my plate when i went out to eat but last time I went out I brought half my food back with me because at home I have been retraining my brain to see portion sizes much more realistically.
If you do want to keep eating out, pick a few of your favorite places and research the nutrition info for their menu. Some chain restaurants can be found online, others you'll have to ask for in the restaurant. That way at least you'll know what your eating. Personally, I was surprised at how inflated calorie counts were. For example I made an omelette with a side of bacon and toast at home and it was about 650 calories. The same meal at a restaurant was more than double that. Partly due to portion size I think.
You can also make special requests if you don't already. Even simple things like having your salad dressing on the side, or getting the bake potato fixings on a separate plate so you can add how much you want helps.
I think you can eat out and stick with your calorie goals but only if you know how many calories are actually in the foods you're eating. And personally I have found it harder to eat out and stick to my eating plan.
I should note that eating in meant I had to make some lifestyle changes. I have to be home more and I can't stay late at the library (I'm currently back in school) and I have to plan food to take with me. This definitely took some getting used to.
Last edited by rodeogirl; 11-09-2008 at 03:00 PM.
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