Friendly Warning: Overindulging When Eating Out with Pals
Dining with friends can seem harmless, but it might be a silent enemy when it comes to diet. Recent studies reveal that people consume 35% more calories when dining with friends. Chatter often pushes portion control to the back burner. Learn how to steer clear of calorie overload during outings in 'Avoid Digging Your Calorie Grave at Social Dinners'.
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To curb calorie intake during social dinners, practice these techniques:
- Smart Ordering
- Salad as Starter: Begin with a salad for a healthy boost, without wasting calories on bread or high-calorie appetizers.
- Protein & Veggies: Select lean proteins like chicken, beef, or fish, accompanied by vegetables. This combination keeps you feeling full and reduces overall calorie intake.
- Small Serving of Carbs: If you need carbs, opt for a modest portion to control calorie consumption.
- Avoid High-Calorie Items
- Pass on Bread & Dessert: Beat temptation of complimentary bread and forgo dessert, which can be heavy on calories.
- Steer Clear of High-Fat Toppings & Sides: Be mindful of high-fat toppings and sides like cheese, bacon, and fried items. Choose healthier alternatives like mustard, vinegar, or low-fat dressing.
- Portion Control
- Select Smaller Portions: Prefer smaller plates, such as a six-inch sub instead of a foot-long, to lower overall calorie intake.
- Leave Something Behind: Don't feel pressured to finish everything on your plate, especially if it's carb-heavy. Leaving a bit behind helps avoid consuming excess calories.
- Sauce Savvy
- Shun High-Calorie Sauces: Watch out for salad dressings, mayonnaise, and other high-calorie sauces that can add a significant number of calories to your meal. Opt for lighter options like mustard or vinegar.
- Stay Hyrdrated
- Opt for Zero- or Low-Calorie Drinks: Drink water, diet soda, or unsweetened tea instead of sugary beverages like soda or shakes, which can contribute loads of calories to your meal.
- Plan Ahead
- Bring Nutrient Boosters: If you'd like to supplement your meal with extra nutrients, bring healthy add-ons like dried fruit, nuts, carrot sticks, or apple slices.
By applying these strategies, you can effectively reduce calorie consumption while enjoying social dining experiences with friends.
Practicing smart ordering can help maintain healthy nutrition during social dinners, choosing a salad as a starter instead of high-calorie appetizers. Additionally, selecting lean proteins like chicken, beef, or fish, accompanied by vegetables, can help reduce overall calorie intake and promote health. Furthermore, by avoiding high-calorie items such as bread, desserts, and high-fat toppings, one can steer clear of calorie overload while dining with friends and follow other nutrition tips for balanced living.
