With Valentine’s Day upon us, there will be plenty of loving couples looking to share a romantic dinner for two. But if one or both of you is trying to lose body fat, the typical restaurant experience can really set you back.
By making a few smart choices, you can still enjoy a delicious meal together without overloading on the kilojoules. Here are some tips to help minimise the damage.
- Look for meals that include lean meats and lots of vegetables
- Avoid anything battered, deep fried or covered in a cream sauce
- Avoid kilojoule laden beverages such as soft drink, fruit juice or alcohol. Opt for chilled water instead.
- If you can’t resist a glass of alcohol, limit yourself to only one or two servings.
- If you order an entree or dessert, share it with your partner.
- If the serving sizes are large, don’t feel like you have to clear the plate. Ask to take any leftovers home.
- Have something small to eat before you go out, such as vegetables sticks and hummus, so you aren’t starving by the time you sit down and order.
- Ask for salad dressings and sauces to be served on the side so you can have less.
- Go for a walk on the beach afterwards to burn off some of your dinner
You could also pre-burn some of your Valentine’s Day dinner kilojoules by doing some exercise together beforehand. This could include going on a bush walk, having a game of tennis, going for a bike ride, or hiring a two seat kayak at the local lake.
Do you try to eat healthy when eating out? Do you have any suggestions on how to minimise the impact on your weight?