Eating out on
The South Beach Diet is easier than you might think. With a few simple guidelines, you can make
smart restaurant choices for all phases of the plan. Here are some simple tips for eating out on The South Beach Diet:
Know Your Stuff
Know the allowable foods for your particular phase of The South Beach Diet backwards and forwards so you won't be overwhelmed by the menu and the easy availability of a wide variety of foods at the restaurant. Print out or photocopy the allowed foods and
foods to be avoided lists and take them with you to refer to if you don't know them by heart.
Bye, Bye Breadie
If the restaurant provides appetizer dinner rolls this can spell South Beach Diet-disaster, particularly on
Phase 1.
Ask the server to remove the off-plan food from the table. Avoid the temptation to think, "It's free. I really should eat it." because it may be free to your wallet, but not "free" for your waistline!
Preparation is Key
Lean protein is an important part of The South Beach Diet. Keep your beef or meat choices in check by requesting
healthy cooking methods --
grilling, baking, roasting, broiling or boiling. If you are unsure about anything on the menu, request details about preparation methods or
extra ingredients. Don't be afraid to sound "picky" and ask a lot of questions -- that's what it takes to stay true to The South Beach Diet plan.
Have a Smarter Starter
Whether you're following The South Beach Diet, or you just want to watch your weight in general,
having a salad or cup of soup as an appetizer is a great weight loss aid both at home and when dining out. These starters
curb your appetite and
prevent overeating.
Do Your Homework
Ask your favorite eateries for a
take-out menu as you leave after your next visit. Or, call and ask them to fax you the full menu or search online for their Web site. Keep your favorite menus close to the phone if you order in, or by the door or coat closet to review on your way out to the restaurant.
Highlight the best "South Beach Diet-friendly" options for easy reference. Better still, type up your own master menu on your computer with a simple list of your best choices at each of your favorite eateries (That way you won't be tempted by the off-limits items on the real menu!).
Veg Out
Many vegetables are acceptable on all phases of The South Beach Diet, but just as in the case of meats, preparation method does make a difference. Request vegetables be prepared "plain" as they're likely to contain butter or sauce if you don't. Watch out for high-fat menu buzz words like cream sauce, butter, oil, breaded,
au gratin and batter-dipped.
Go Halves
No matter what diet you're following, or if you just want to cut calories,
restaurant portions can make or break your weight-loss efforts because they're almost always more than what a
normal serving should be. Keep temptation at bay and practice
instant portion control by asking the server to wrap up half your meal before you start eating. If you prefer, ask to be served lunch-sized portions at
dinner. Split take-out meals with a buddy or put half into plastic containers and stash in the
fridge before you start eating.
Be Savvy About Snacking
Don't forget that snacks are not only allowed on The South Beach Diet, they're required. Dr. Agatston included them on The South Beach Diet plan for a very important reason:
Eating healthful snacks between meals helps level out your blood sugar and keeps your
metabolism going strong. Getting in your snack a while before your meal will help
prevent overeating when you get to the restaurant.
