Hey there, John here and I’m back with some more fitness and fat loss goodies to help you on your journey to that awesome figure.

I know many of you dine out from time to time and perhaps some a bit more for my liking.   As a San Jose personal trainer I know it can be tough when you are going out with friends, celebrating, or even having a quick business lunch.  The temptations of all that good food and maybe some tasty cocktails.  But just remember that all those indulgences lead to taking more and more steps backward.  Even if you eat out, the ball is always in your court and you are the one that ultimately decides the outcome of your meal and inevitably your waistline.

Here are 6 sneaky ways to take control when you dine out so pay attention and implement them asap.

1) Choose Your Restaurant Wisely

This will make or break your ability to even eat something remotely healthy.  Let’s see, Popeye’s or Olive Garden…hmmm, that’s a tough one.  If you choose a crappy place to eat then you will eat like crap, feel like crap and end up looking like crap.  I don’t know about you, but that just sounds crappy so I’d rather not go there.  Make sure you are the voice of reason with friends, family or co-workers and select a destination that will have some healthy items.

2) Order a Salad and Appetizer

Instead of ordering the appetizer, salad and the meal, cut down those portions.  Order a mixed green or spinach salad with the dressing on the side and then order a small appetizer.  Portions will be controlled, calories will most likely be controlled as long as it’s a decent choice and you will not overeat.  You win.

3) Order Off of the Healthy Menu

Almost every restaurant has some “healthy” options to select.  Whether they be carb conscious, low cal, low fat, smaller portions, etc.  These are designed to keep your waistline in check and most of them taste a lot better than you would think.  Don’t shrug them off without even looking at them.  Give them a shot and make your body happy.

4) Don’t Eat Out if you’re Starving!

This is huge.  If you are starving I am going to bet 10:1 that you consume enough food to feed a small country.  Our eyes are always bigger than our stomach and when you’re that hungry, your brain really isn’t in the mood to make logical decisions.  Result = you not only make horrible choices but you overeat and then feel bloated and guilty right after.  Instead, either resist the urge to eat out and go make a proper meal or BE AWARE of your predicament and still make good choices when you are out.

5) Put 50% of your Meal in a Doggy Bag

This is an automatic portion controller and you don’t get a choice to eat the rest of your meal.  As soon as your meal arrives ask for a to-go or doggy bag and put 50% of everything away.  Put it out of sight or if you really want to play it safe, go walk to it your car (unless you’re on a date, then that might just be weird.)

6) No Alcohol and No Dessert

Ok, so you indulged a little in your main course and did not use my 50% rule or my salad/appetizer rule.  Fair enough.  But you don’t get any alcohol or dessert.  This could be a saving grace for you if your calories were up in the main course.  This will knock off an average of 200-1000 calories depending on the number of drinks and what kind of dessert you would have ordered.  You’re probably not quite at your optimal water intake (50% of your bodyweight in ounces) so have a couple glasses of that instead.

These creative strategies will help you drop pounds off of that nasty scale and get that bodyfat % down.  I hope you implement them moving forward and maintain ownership of your fitness goals!

And be sure to leave a comment if you think the strategies will help you!

Till next time!

Dedicated to your success,

John Heringer