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Six dining-out strategies
Posted on Dec 30th 2007 9:00AM by Jacki DonaldsonFiled Under: Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Next time you dine out, consider this: Subliminal cues at restaurants can cause you to eat more than you normally would. So next time you find yourself tucked away in a cozy little eating establishment, here's what you should do.
- Sit at a table, not a booth. Booths promote privacy, comfort, and the desire to stay and eat longer. If you simply must opt for the booth, go for it -- just don't eat too much -- but if you're OK with a table, this is your safest bet.
- Go olive oil, not butter. When the bread arrives, ditch the accompanying butter -- it will cause you to eat 29 percent more -- and try olive oil instead.
- Ignore the table tents. You know, with the pictures of delectable desserts and calorie-packed specials. It's a fact: When you see food, you want to eat it. So turn those photos around and ask the server to skip the dessert tray.
- Just say NO. When your server asks, "Can I start you off with a drink?" or "What kind of appetizer would you like?" just say NO. Try "No thanks" or "I'll start with my entrée" and then move on.
- Go small. Most restaurants serve heaping portions but that doesn't mean you need to eat every bite. Visualize the smaller portions you eat at home and eat just that amount.
- Embrace the mess. Studies show people are less likely to eat more when their tables are cluttered with dishes -- it's easier to see what you've already eaten this way. When plates are cleared, people tend to eat 27 percent more. So don't complain if your server doesn't come around to tidy up your table. It just might save you a few calories.
