Weight Loss Tip #38: Box That Dinner
It’s no secret that eating out, and sticking to your diet has become more of a challenge to people worldwide. Restaurants pack so many extra calories from sodium, fat, and carbs into one dish, it’s amazing they can even get away with it. On top of the dishes being particularly not good for you (depending on where you go and what you eat) they make matters worse by giving you enormous servings. Many of these dishes you are ordering for lunch or dinner can be the equivalent to an entire days worth of calories! Yikes! Our world has gotten ahold of the mantra “bigger is better” and run away with it. Cars are now being made with larger cup holders to accommodate larger cup sizes; cookware has upped its sizes for muffins, plates, and bowls. Sadly, it does not stop there.
Next time you are out to dinner at a restaurant that is notorious for giving you large portion sizes, just ask your server to box up half of your meal before it even comes to your table. You just cut away half of the calories in that meal by simply requesting this modest task. Famous chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory, Bucca Di Peppo, Golden Corral, Chili’s, TGIFridays, and Claim Jumper have gotten bad raps for the sizes of their portions. While some people love it, we all know it is not doing our country any good in the waistline.
How To Practice Portion Control
- When dining out, ask for a box and either have your waiter box up half of your meal before you see it or do it yourself when the meal arrives.
- Eat on smaller plates that way you are not tempted to overstuff you large plate full of food.
- Take your time when you eat food, and enjoy the flavors of the meal. Too many times we are so rushed to get seconds we hardly even tasted the food the first time. This not only is bad for your digestive system, but it causes you to overeat.
- Trying to save money by purchasing extra large food items, or bulk? Instead of keeping that supersize bags of chips in its original package, why not divide it up into small Baggies to ensure you don’t over indulge?
- Drink a glass of water before eating your meal. You will be a little more full than just diving right into your meal.
- Monitor the distractions. It is easy to get into a TV show, conversation, or simply try to multitask and forget that you have just eaten half of the carton of ice cream. If you ever find yourself distracted, walk away from the snack or meal and resume when you can give it your full attention.
No matter what your dining situation may be, always be mindful of your portions for each meal. Overdoing it can cause more harm than good long term, so be aware! Take advantage of the tips and tricks above to help you master the art of portion control. Your body and your mind will thank you!
