How to dine out and stay focused in on your health goals

Being on a health journey can feel lonely. At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, we provide a great support system for anyone looking to lose weight, take fewer medications or improve their own health for the future. Rene Stephan can attest to that. She is a manager in our Chesterfield Township location. Rene sees patients every day who want to maintain their social schedules, but can feel pressured when food and drink are involved.

Eating out can be a huge temptation to lose track on a healthy journey.

Dining out brings temptation if you’re working to get healthier. But it is possible.

Luckily our patients don’t have to forego social occasions. Dining out, attending events and parties – it’s all part of  our lives. It’s how we connect.

Planning for success is what makes all the difference. And Rene shared many ways to stay focused on your program while dining out:

·      Eat something before you go so you're not starving when you arrive at a restaurant. It will help you avoid filling up on bread or chips before the meal, too.

·      View the menu online beforehand and be the first to order so you are not tempted by others' choices. 

·      Don’t be shy. Let the waitstaff know you are on a no sodium diet. Ask them to avoid salt-based seasonings for your meal.

·      Remember we are a society of over-eaters, so ask for a to-go box right away. You can portion out your meal yourself and save some delicious leftovers for tomorrow.

·      Look for healthy, fresh options.

·      Avoid tempting high-carb meals, sauces, fried or pre-seasoned foods.

·      Remember to eat slowly and savor your meal.

·      Drink plenty of water, too.

Before you consider how to approach dining out, it’s also important to choose the location wisely. It might be obvious that fast food chain restaurants are not a healthy choice - but it is possible to dine at restaurants that cook with fresh and healthy ingredients, Rene says. Even restaurants like Applebee’s or Texas Roadhouse can be an option – just be sure to order wisely and be clear about how your meal should be prepared.

Rene Stephan is a manager in our Chesterfield Township location. She shared all you need to know to dine out but stay on a healthy program.

“Fresh fish, lean steaks, fresh salads and vegetables are always some of the best options,” Rene says. “Stay away from all the extras on a salad.  Avoid eating out of the bread basket.  Order a sweet potato if available instead of a baked potato.  And stay away from the buttery sauces, fried foods and desserts.”

It’s absolutely possible to enjoy dining out while staying on track and on target to reach your health goals. Rene said all of the delicious menu options can make it tricky but sticking to the healthiest possible foods is important.

Fried foods, desserts and other choices that veer off of a patient’s program can trigger feel-good senses and leave patients wanting more.

“Avoiding them while dining out will help you stay on track and reach your goal,” says Rene. “Talk to your weight loss counselors for advice and encouragement, we can help.  Remember, your success is our success!”

Medical Weight Loss Clinic is here to help. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

*Results may vary. Minimum purchase required. Some restrictions apply and discounts may not be used for online purchases.
When you enroll in a Medical Weight Loss Clinic program, the length of your program will be determined by you and the staff based on the amount of weight you want to lose and how quickly you want to lose it. Your actual weight loss will be determined by many factors, including, but not limited to: your medical circumstances, the plan you choose, adherence to the meal plan and use of nutritional supplements. Your goal and program duration information will be given to you in writing at the time of enrollment. As your program progresses, the rate you lose weight may change and you will have the opportunity to discuss this at every daily visit with your weight loss consultant, where changes to your meal plan and/or program can be made.