Top 10 Tips for Eating Out and not Pigging Out

It's the time of year when IF NOT CAREFUL all good intentions can fall by the wayside with Seasonal Festivities soon on the approach.
Here are 10 top tips to keep you on track and still enjoy yourself:-

1. Choose Sandwiches, Salads, Chicken, and Fish dishes over Burgers, Pies, and Fried foods.

2. Choose foods with minimal or no creamy sauces, these tend to be very high in fat and calories.  Try asking for a sauce on the side if you really must have the flavour, this way you can just have a little.

3. Don't drench your Salads in dressings.  If you must eat with a dressing choose a squeeze of Lemon or a splash of Balsamic Vinegar.  Most dressings are very high in calories you don't think about.

4.  You do not have to eat EVERYTHING on your plate, recognise a serving size and stick to it, it really doesn't matter if you leave food. In fact make it a challenge to make sure you leave something.

5. Make sure you are fully hydrated before you go out, this will curb your appetite and prevent you from over indulging. Drink water rather than sugary soft drinks.

6. NEVER skip meals during the day thinking ' I can eat a guilt free supper if I save my calories for the evening' - you will crave higher calorie, high fat foods to satisfy your 'starvation'.

7.Eat your Vegetables and meat/fish first to fill yourself with nutrient rich foods leaving less room for the foods with less nutrients.

8. Try to skip on the  crisp/breadstick nibbles before the meal arrives - these calories all add up.

9. STOP eating BEFORE you feel full.  Once you feel satisfied this should be enough.  If you have the option of a 'goodiebag' take the remaining food home for another mealtime.

10. If you are going to a buffet type meal, choose the smaller plate.  You will guarantee to eat less as your eyes will see a 'full' plate.