- Avoid eating at buffets or all-you-can eat restaurants (temptation to overeat).
- Limit meals eaten out to one to two per week (all meals included).
- Limit desserts to special occasions only.
- Avoid eating large meals late at night ( 9 p.m. or later).
- Order a half-plate if they offer it. If this isn’t offered, split an entrée with a companion or doggie-bag half of it.
- Don’t feel you must order combination meals or complete dinners with soup/salad.
- Creative ordering:
- Dinner salad + shrimp cocktail
- Cup soup and 1/2 sandwich
- Vegetable curry + naan or chapatti
- Order the lunch menu if they allow it (smaller portions).
- Avoid ordering appetizers, desserts and specialty drinks with meals:
- They just boost calories
- Instead, have a light meal of an appetizer or split dessert and tea to socialize
- Avoid ordering things that sound decadent:
- Rich, creamy, crunchy, crispy, buttery
- Avoid ordering large sizes: get the smallest size they offer.
- Social, family and religious gatherings occur frequently and should not be an excuse to abandon reasonable limits and portions.
- If trying to lose weight or for blood sugar control, pass on the dessert and have sparkling mineral water or plain hot tea instead.
- Be the trend-setter who brings lighter versions of favorites to parties/events.