by Jennifer Kirkman

Created on: October 28, 2009

Eating out on Weight Watcher's can really be challenging for sure. So many restaurants have food that are not only high in calories, but filled with fat and cholesterol as well. When you eat out then, you must plan ahead.

To start with, once you are familiar with counting points in your food by using the Weight Watcher's food sliding scale, or online tools, the planning your meal at a restaurant is relatively easy. Most all your restaurants that are popular at all, have an online menu where they have calorie, fat, fiber, and all other counts. The Weight watcher's on line tools has many restaurants right on their site which can be found on the food tracker there, and they also have an individual Dining Out Companion too. So using these tools, you can develop a good strategy for eating out healthfully.

I have my favorite restaurants which are Weight Watcher friendly such as Bob Evans and Steak and Shake. These places have menu items that fit in with my plan so I don't have to worry about going overboard. For example, I like to eat the vegetable soup they prepare at Bob Evans and have that along with a baked potato. That will cost me just 7 or 8 points total. At Steak and Shake, I might order a grilled chicken sandwich, a tossed salad with dressing on the side, and a cup of vegetable soup. That only totals 7 points out of the whole day of mine on plan.

When you go out, you need to be aware of foods that state they are deep-fried or fried, or creamed. Instead, go for broth based soups, vegetables not in sauces, (pure, in other words,) baked or broiled is better, or steamed. Most restaurants will accomodate people on Weight Watcher's, and if you want to substitute something on the menu, just speak up and say so.

Some of the restaurants out there do have Weight Watcher menus included. One of these restaurants is Applebee's. They have a steamed chicken dish with broccoli and potatoes on the side. The whole meal is just 8 points. They have other choices too and desserts included with point values on them.

Chili's has what is called a "guiltless" grill. There are several items to choose from on the menu in that section.

I'd also like to mention Subway, which is a sandwich shop that is very Weight Watcher friendly. You can pick out what you want on your sandwich from leaner meats to veggies which are plentiful. They also have some great broth based soups to go on the side too. I've gone there plenty of times and have had a guilt-free meal.

If restaurants serve you too much food, take part of the food home rather than eat all of it and feel stuffed. Some restaurants now however, I becoming more portion conscious and cutting down which I am glad to see.

I hope this article helps some of you out there that are struggling with weight issues. It all comes down really, to choosing wisely. For nothing tastes as good as being thin feels!

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