Eating socially

Being on a diet is never fun... especially not when you are attending social events. Just because you are watching what you are eating, doesn't mean that you have to stay home like a hermit for a month or two! We'd say it's essential to get out and eat out, whether in restaurants or with friends. If you follow these simple rules you can still go to your favorite restaurant. But don't get mad though... just try to be focused and pick healthy options. It will pay off for the rest of your life.

The Ten Golden Rules for Eating Out

1. Choose your restaurant with care. Pick places that cook food freshly and are willing to adapt recipes for you. Don't be scared of asking what's in dishes or where they come from. A good restaurant will be delighted to tell you and happy to help. If they're not helpful, vote with your feet and go elsewhere.

2. Order without looking at the menu! You know the food you need. Zero temptation - and you get a perfect meal. Again, good chefs have no problem with that.

3. Hold the dressings and sauces. Take away the heavy and rich sauces and salad dressings and -- you have a healthy meal.

4. Ask for food to be grilled or baked, rather than fried. You can eat your fill of steamed vegetables and salad (but watch out for "salads in sauces" such as coleslaw, potato salad, Caesar salad etc.) Ask for plain vinaigrette, on the side.

5. You don't need three courses - honestly. Try sharing starters and don't even think about dessert until you have eaten your meal.. and preferably had some tea... and waited at least ten minutes -- and you will probably find you're too full to eat it.

6. If you really crave something sweet, go for fruit salad, or share a sorbet or ice cream, or - if you must - take a spoonful of someone else's dessert. Cheese is NOT a good option - it's very fatty and mucus forming.

7. Drink tea (herbal teas are even better) with your meal rather than wine and water. It will help your digestion.

8. If you really must drink alcohol, go for the better wines and vodkas, preferably organic ones. For mixer, go for organic fresh squeezed cranberry or orange juice etc, don't even think about buying "artificial mixers" at the store. Skip the ice, since very cold drinks stop digestion. Drink a glass of room-temperature water for every alcoholic drink.

9. Avoid the nibbles that come with restaurant meals - crisps, bread etc. All very tempting, all very high in calories and not at all good for your body. Nibble on olives, instead.

10. Eat slowly and stop when you are full. Just because it's on your plate, doesn't mean you have to eat it. Listen to your body.