Contributed by Ann Martin
When eating at home, it is easy to measure portions out and read nutrition labels in order to determine what exactly is a serving size for that food product. Just measure and place the food on your Noritake colorwave plates for the perfect portion control. But how can you have portion control while dining out, especially if you don’t have those nutrition labels available to even know what constitutes serving sizes? We all know that the portion sizes we get while eating out can be almost enough to feed at least two adults, if not more. Next time you are dining out, just take a look down at your dinnerware to see the mounds of food. I’m going to share with you some tips and tricks to help you with portion control while dining out.
- Before heading out to your favorite restaurant, have a small snack at home – preferably a snack packed with fiber.
- When it comes to beverages, always try and limit yourself to two beverages, especially if they are not calorie-free. But when it comes to water, have as much as you want!
- Try not to be influenced by the menu! We all know that the Ultimate Death By Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake sounds like it just may be the best dessert ever created, but remember, when it comes down to it – it is just cheesecake, no matter how ultimate it says it is.
- Many restaurants offer unlimited soup and salad before a meal. Make sure the soup is broth- based, such as pasta e fagioli. If it is cream-based, simply forget it. As far as the salad goes, see if you can get the dressing on the side. And remember, skip those breadsticks!
- When glancing at the menu, see what main courses are offered in half-portion sizes – this a great way to know that you won’t be getting that gigantic portion you normally would.
- When the waiter brings your main course out – have them pack up half of your meal right away so that you are only left to eat the food that is left on your plate. Plus you have another meal to enjoy the next day – and you don’t have to cook!
- Remember, you could always share a main course. As mentioned, we know the “portions” restaurants serve up are not normal sized portions – so share with a friend!
- Typical restaurant main course portions are served on 12 or 14 inch plates, instead of the normal 10 inch plate. With this in mind, always leave food on your plate, even if you already got half packed up in a doggy bag.
Even though it can be quite intimidating to try and stay under control with what you eat at restaurants, but try the above tips and tricks and you’ll see it is not as difficult as you think!
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