Eat Yourself Unconcious Restaurant

January 1, 2006

Our leader began the meeting talking about the " eat yourself

unconscious " restaurant! Obviously this would be different for each of

us, depending on our tastes, but she focused on how to " survive " eating

out even when you find yourself at such a restaurant. There are 8 tips

to follow that will help you make better choices no matter where your

group is eating:

1) PREPARE! Try to know where you are going ahead of time and decide

what you will get before you go. That way you can even fill up on a

salad or veggies before going, if possible.

2) Use your food companions. Again, this will help you to know how to

budget your points. If the restaurant you need is not in the guide, you

can look at similar foods from other restaurants to get a general idea.

Estimating is better than not counting at all!

3) Use your Asserting tool! (see page 58 in the Week 1 Getting Started

book) You need to assert yourself and ask for what you want. You don't

want to make someone else sacrifice so you need to be flexible, but

don't be afraid to choose the restaurant where you can eat better or

enjoy the meal with less guilt. Also do not be afraid to assert yourself

with your server. ASK for things on the side or without butter or

however you really want it to be done. The worst they can say is no!

They cannot read your mind, so you must ask. Our leader pointed out that

restaurants make their money on your REPEAT business, not on your first

visit. Therefore, they should want to accomodate you so you will keep

going there. Another member also mentioned that restaurants are still

businesses and if we do not buy the healthier items, they could be

eliminated due to poor sales. Bottom line - order healthy options when

available!

4) Appetizers/Bread Basket - There is nothing wrong with asking the

sever to take the bread away if it is tempting you. It is perfectly fine

to hide something behind a menu or sit it at the end of the table if

that will help. BUT, also do not deprive yourself. If you really want

something, have it...just don't over-indulge.

5) Ordering entree - Ask for the lunch portion or 1/2 portion if you

want that, or ask that they box 1/2 of it up before they even bring it

to you to keep you from overeating. Again, assert yourself and ask...no

harm in that.

6) Alcohol - make smart choices on your alcohol. Drink something lower

in points and watch how much you drink. Those points add up fast and

alcohol can lead to poor food choices.

7) Portions - We all know this one. Watch your portions. Our portions

continue to get bigger and bigger but our bodies do not need so much

food. Remember to use your portion sizes guide to have an idea how to

estimate the correct portions. Also listen to your body and stop when

you are full - don't eat just to eat!

Other - Flex/Core. Remember that you can survive eating out

regardless of the plan you are on. You have your 35 point allowance to

help you when you need more points or want a food that is not core. Use

them wisely and do not feel guilty for using them - that's why they are

there!!

Our leader also gave us another method for success when eating out: E

yeball portion sizes

A llow for big meals

T ry to keep it simple

I nvestigate food companions

N ever skip meals

G et take out menu

O rder broiled/roasted etc

U se allowances wisely

T ry steamed veggies and/or fruit for dessert The bottom line is that we

can do it if we learn to make the right choices. We can eat out and be

satisfied and happy and still meet our weight loss goals!

~Keep The Faith~

Retta

Louisiana

(-52.6)

Come Visit Our Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WeightWatchersGroupSupport/

January 1, 2006

The bread basket is a hard one for me....especially if it is warm french bread

served w/ olive oil . It's better for me to limit it to one bite or none at

all. I usually don't take any for myself, but ask my hubby for one bite of his.

Deb in CO

217.5/190/125

Retta2006@... wrote: