by Maria Miaoulis

Created on: November 02, 2010

I’m very lucky in that I grew up always having home-cooked meals. Going out to eat was considered a special treat. As a result, when I did dine out, I would throw caution to the wind and overindulge. Now that I’m starting to eat out more often, I’ve had to rein myself in and learn self-control. There are plenty of ways to eat out without over-eating, and you don’t have to starve or deny yourself anything in the process. Here are some tips for cutting down on portion size when dining out: 

-Don’t go overboard with the bread and butter:

That bread basket can be awfully tempting, especially if you haven’t eaten all day or you’ve waited an unbearably long time for seating. Try to grab a snack before heading to the restaurant so you won’t be ravenous when you get there. Once seated, it’s OK to have a roll to tide you over until dinner – just don’t shovel them in one after the other.

-Ask questions:

The waiter is there to assist you. Ask him/her about portion sizes, nutritional content, how the food will be prepared, etc. This will make it easier for you to decide what to order.

-Ask for a smaller portion:

Some establishments will let you order from the kids menu (i.e. smaller portions). Or they might give you the option of getting a smaller plate (i.e. no super-sizing). You’ll never know unless you ask.

-Order appetizers, not entrees:

Just because appetizers are normally served before dinner doesn’t mean you can’t make a meal out of them. After all, the portions are already smaller. They can also be prepared quickly so you won’t be kept waiting, increasing your chances of overeating. Best of all, you can order more than one dish so you can sample more while still eating less.

-Don’t order additional items:

Most entrees come with add-on options, but you don’t have to order them. However, if you do, try to ask for veggies or salads. Also, ask that sauces and other dressings be put on the side so you can control how much of these high-calorie items you consume.

-Split your meal:

I once ordered what I thought was a sensible noodle and vegetable combo only to find that my plate was the biggest one brought to the table. I immediately turned to my right and told my friend to dig in. If you know an establishment’s plates are huge and you won’t be allowed any of the previous options, go half-and-half with someone from the start, saving you money and a tummy-ache.

-Request a take-home container when you order:

As soon as your food hits the table, store half of it in a doggie bag. This will ensure that you don’t overdo it, plus you’ll have a whole meal already prepared for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner. It’s a win-win!

-Don’t clean your plate:

Although our parents made us feel guilty as kids when we didn’t finish our food, you don’t have to feel the same way now. Food never goes to waste, but it does cling to your waist! Eat until you’re satisfied, and bag the rest.

By making smart decisions and planning ahead, you can always prevent yourself from over-eating without feeling like you’re missing out.

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