How do you stay on track when eating out?

So here's the thing that I always remember.. ONE meal even ONE day isn't going to all of a sudden pack on the pounds or undo any of the work I have already done. That goes for vacations as well. These incidents aren't the norm and as soon as I am back in my own environment, back to my regular daily routine, any weight (usually water weight) comes off without me really even doing anything extra to help. But here's the trick.. IMMEDIATELY get back to normal. Don't wait until Monday, or next week or whatever. You need to get back to your normal routine immediately.. So with a little planning.. If we are returning from vacation, I will arrange for a grocery order to be delivered to my house the day I return so the excuse of not having any food in the house is eliminated and I have a bunch of quick veggie based meals that I can throw together for a few days upon returning because I am usually extremely exhausted after travel. I have RA and travel can suck the life out of me.

For gatherings, I will offer to bring a fruit platter or a veggie tray so there is stuff there I can grab and snack on without it really mattering. Usually I find it's alcohol that drives the mindless eating at gatherings so I either limit myself to one drink and nurse the heck out of it.. or I don't drink at all.. and I'll stick to club soda or seltzer water as the bubbles make me feel full faster. I'll do a lap around the buffet table, looking to see what's offered.. I may take a little of something that looks good, definitely sample someone's grandmother's recipe of whatever because homemade stuff is definitely tastier than store bought and worth eating.. LOL.. but usually, I try to stay involved in conversation and don't stand too near where the food is laid out.

Dinners out.. usually are planned and it's to places that I don't frequent regularly so I typically get what I want and don't worry about it. However, if it's just a fast, hubby came home late, let's run to the diner type outing I choose my dinner wisely, based on what I have already eaten for the other meals. I like diners as there are plenty of dishes that are veggie filled and protein forward.. I do omelets often.. my favorite is a spinach tomato and feta omelet.. and I always get a cup of matzah ball soup because I LIVE for it.. LOL.. If we decide to go for sushi, I'll do sashimi, which is just the fish, or a veggie filled roll with tuna..

A couple things I refuse to do.. The first is if I know I have an event or dinner out, I refuse to skip meals before hand or exercise more to try to counter act anything I eat. You do NOT have to EARN your food. I may eat a bit lighter, like skip the snacks, maybe skip the weekend bagel in favor for eggs with veggies and typically I will make a quick tuna and white bean salad for lunch that I either roll up in lettuce leaves or scoop up in bell pepper halves.. Or have an opened face sandwich.. When we go to dinner, I do eat the bread. Because bread is life for me. LOL.. The places we go typically have fantastic bread.. but I typically skip the appetizers.. and unless it's a place known for their desserts or we're celebrating, I skip dessert in favor for a cup of coffee while everyone else is having their dessert.

And I usually do not take home any doggie bags.. I eat what I want to and leave the rest on the plate.. That's been pretty key for me.. I know there is some thinking to only eat half and bring the rest home.. but for me, I just eat what I want at the restaurant and leave what I don't eat. That keeps it truly at just one meal....

I absolutely refuse to do anything for my health and well being that I am not willing to continue to do for the rest of my life. Which means dinners out will always be a part, family gatherings and big holiday meals will always be a part of my life. The trick is to figure out how to enjoy them without the guilt that usually leads to the all or nothing at all type thinking and you go wild, thinking you blew it may as well continue. For me, that's pretty much eating the things I enjoy, and typically don't eat regularly and getting right back to my normal eating patterns and habits the very next meal.. Food holds no moral judgement.. it's neither good nor bad.. It's just food.. and an apple can do amazing things for your health when eaten regularly, and yet a homemade chocolate chip cookie made with dark chocolate chips and a cup of coffee, tea or milk can do amazing things for your mental health and soul when eaten once in a while.

This is such a great question, . I'm sure everyone will offer different strategies.
I tend to avoid food altogether at gatherings. I try to remind myself that certain foods (like chips and cheese) are not unique enough to make them worth the calories. Of course, if it's a meal, that's different. Then I try to stick only with the amount of food I would normally eat at home and I try to balance my plate. Non negotiable rule-setting (no bread or appetizers) for restuarants and gatherings helps me tremendously.
I'm interested to read what others have to say. Thanks for asking this!
Lori (Team Member)