Eating Out and Social Events

• 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.

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