How to be healthy when out with friends

CS4232011 · November 2010

I'm a few months away from my wedding, and I'm looking to maintain, maybe lose 5-10 pounds. I've been going to a trainer, doing the jillian michaels workout tapes at home, so i'm definitely getting more muscle tone.

Where I lose is at the nutrition side of weight loss. I try to eat healthy--but my friends LOVE going to get deep dish pizza, super greasy mexican food, and just really nothing healthy. And ironically, these ladies are thin, I look at a cookie and i feel like I gain.

I hate to be that friend that counts calories and I feel like I'm preachy when I ask to go somewhere with a healthy menu, so I'm curious how any of you with this issue deal with going out and being around the "temptation" and still making the right choice?

BlutifulScorpion · November 2010

This is my first week back in the saddle but I will tell you my methods for dealing with that...

My co-workers LOVE Mexican at least once a week. This week I simply told them, "No thanks!" I didn't offer any other explanation because they don't really get it. But they were okay with it.

Another method... TELL THEM that you're trying to make better choices about what and how you eat. Friends will respect that and not try to sabotage your efforts. I have a pretty good friend at work who I take "snack breaks" with because we have similar goals. Plus it helps me refocus during the day.

Lastly... If you simply just want to be in the company of your girlfriends (and I know sometimes you just need that time to bond) find out what's on the menu beforehand so you don't make decisions on the fly. Once you get to the restaurant you're going to, you'll have your mind already made up about what you're eating and won't be nearly as tempted.

HTH

MyWedding13 · November 2010

You don't have to deprive yourself, just make smart decisions like eating smaller portions or having a salad or soup before your entree. You don't have to deprive yourself, just eat smaller portions than you normally would. Also, have a healthy snack before going out so you won't over-indulge. Have a piece of wheat toast with peanut butter, an apple with string cheese..etc.

Summer2011Bride · November 2010

Eat something somewhat filling and healthy BEFORE you go out, like a salad, an apple with PB, etc. Also drink two glasses of water prior to eating out. THis will somewhat fill you up so you will be less hungry at the restaurant. Start with a broth-based soup or salad with light dressing before your meal. Then, immediately box up half of whatever you get b/c restaurant portions are way out of control. Enjoy the other half slowly. Even if it is a "splurge" meal, eating only half will usually bring the cals down to a somewhat reasonable level. Or you could do salad and split a few appetizers instead of doing a meal at all. Drink water with dinner, eat slow, stop to put your fork down and talk in between bites. The point is not depriving yourself of all good-tasting restaurant food, but eating smart portions and not overeating.

LittleKatie13 · November 2010

Honestly, part of it is making good choices, but a big part of eating well and changing to a healthy lifestyle is just not going out to eat as much. Have your friends over to your house where you can prepare healthy foods and have a little wine instead of margaritas or martinis. When you're out, pick your drinks carefully-wine, or calorie free mixers and be careful with food. WHen you're out for Mexican, get grilled shrimp, deep dish pizza place-get minestrone and a salad before pizza.

AdeleDazeem · November 2010

Eh, I don't think that a healthier lifestyles means that you have to eat out less. I think it means you have to make smarter choices.

Perhaps I'm biased as my fiance and I love to eat out. Going out to dinner/drinks is a huge thing to do with my friends. That's not to say that is what we always do, but it's very common (maybe 2-3 times a week).

When I was trying to lose (and I successfully did), I would eat a snack before going out eat. Some almonds or cheese, maybe a fiber bar or an apple, something that would take the edge off the hunger and allow me to make a smart decision about my meal. This meant I was more likely to not want appetizers plus an entree OR just choose an appetizer for my meal. I also would get salads with the dressing on the side or pick healthy soups.

It wasn't easy, but I was dedicated and made it work. I also made a habit of checking up on the restaurant before we went so I could pick calorie appropriate meals.

This also meant that I had to pay attention to every other meal to compensate appropriately. Healthy, homemade breakfasts, lunches, and dinners when I wasn't eating out.

jenn.daniel · November 2010

I love deep dish pizza! I think eating out is mostly about moderation. Eat slowly so you know when you're full, and drink lots of water.

futurepivko · November 2010

it is all about moderation. when having pizza, have 1 slice and a salad. get a pizza with lots of veggie options, and not a lot of fatty meats like sausage or pepporoni. ask the waiter/waitress to box half of the food up before it even comes out.

when eating at mexican, avoid "cripy" or "deep fried" options, like chalupa or taco. ask for sauces on the side. i never get refried beans. chicken is leaner then beef. get fajitas or another entree that makes you "work" for your food.

i disagree about eating out less. yes, that can help for a bit, but in the long-run when you DO go out again, you will want to eat anything fatty, greasy saying "oh i havent done it in a while"

there are lots of things you can do to moderate your intake.

also, good for you for working out at home, and glad you are seeing results!

kymjune · November 2010

So this isn't a reply/answer to your question, but I just bought a Jillian Michaels workout dvd to do at home - how is it working for you?

How to be healthy when out with friends

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