Do you often wonder what to do to feel good on all levels when eating out with friends? In this article I share with you five of my personal secrets of how to eat out healthily and happily.
Secret 1 - Savour (and sip)
Whatever you choose, savour it! Chew each bite at least 20 times before swallowing to bring a certain awareness to each mouthful of food. Appreciate the texture and the taste of each mouthful. The same if you enjoy a glass of wine - sip and savour AND drink a glass of water for every glass of wine you drink so you're still smiling in the morning! It is said that your brain takes about 20 minutes to communicate to your stomach that it's full so if you eat too quickly you'll literally fill up before you know it!
Secret 2 - Sharing is sociable
Order several small different dishes and share them with your friends. Then take small helpings of each dish. You can always go back for more but it gives your brain and stomach a chance to communicate.
Secret 3 - Season well
Go for the lightest cooked option you can find on the menu - eg. soup, vegetable dishes, season it well with black pepper, and ask the waiter for lemon juice and some herbs.
Secret 4 - Starter over sweet
Have a starter instead of a dessert. This might seem a hard one for most of us who have a sweet tooth but I've found that if you have a starter and a main course by the time it gets to the dessert it'll really only be your mind that wants the dessert. If you truly cannot resist, then it should be enough to just order one to share with your friends.
Secret 5 - To drink or not to drink
Ideally you would have drunk enough water before eating so won't feel thirsty. If you're still thirsty, ask for a herbal tea or a glass of hot water (with a dash of fresh lemon juice) to sip with your meal rather than a glass of cold water. It is better to drink water that is warm or room-temperature so that the body does not have to use as much energy to bring it up to body temperature.
If you do drink cold water (no ice please!) remember that is still better than sparkling. However, recognise that drinking an excessive amount with your meal actually encourages you to eat more because you will be reducing your digestive capacity.
Copyright 2007 Janet Gomez. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Janet Gomez, nutritional consultant, produces the "Nutri-Jyoti News", a free bi-monthly e-newsletter for busy professionals. If you feel ready to learn how to use nutritional strategies to manage your energy levels, sign up for her FREE e-course "5 Nutritional Keys to Vitality in your Life" at http://www.nutrijyoti.com.
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