tools for restaurants

[Jane01]

my downfall is always eating out at restaurants. at home, usually can stick to anything but seems restaurants have always represented some sort of celebration. any tips for going out to eat. (i always get things "on the side")

[magnolia]

what i do that works for me is drinking water before the restuarant trip. usually a glass or two at home and take a bottle of water in the car on the way. it help to fill me up a little so i don't eat as much. however, i do make a few trips to the ladies room. not a bad thing, maybe others at the table will gobble up the appetizers so I don't have to.

[emptynester]

I ask them to not bring bread to the table (and sometimes that really hurts!). Also I plan ahead of time what I am going to order and I tell others who can then keep me strong!

[zoecircle]

What!? No bread to the table. I think I'd die of food loneliness! I also try the tip of drinking LOTS of water before ANY meal. It worls great for me.

[donnaa]

I'm a big bread fan too. I limit it to four pieces a week. It doesn't matter where. I do make sure I've left a couple at least for a nice night out at a restaurant. Why have a slice of white bread in a sandwich when you can have a yummy rosemary-sundried tomato out?

[annie1]

MODERATION. IS there anything wrong with a meal out, NOT! It's the appetizer, salad, entree, dessert and a couple of drinks that throw you off! I will not eat an appetizer out, nor have a salad that doesn;t have balsamic vinegar as an option. It just has to be your burden. Take responsibililty.

[7ofhearts]

I believe in eating a calorie free meal once a week. helps with cravings and gives something to look forward to. If you are going out, let that be your calorie free meal. Planning ahead is sooo impt.

[emptynester]

have any of you ever taken your own salad dressing with you to a restaurant? I always want to but I think my family would just die of embarassment if I ever did this for real!