You just need to have a plan in mind before you step into that restaurant.  Decide ahead of time on how you will make healthy choices and what you will do to eat less. With the right plan for dining out, you don’t have to throw your diet program out the window.  You will be in control so you can make good choices and enjoy your Valentine’s dinner without guilt and stress.  Here are a few suggestions that can help you keep your weight loss program on track this Valentine’s Day and whenever you eat out.

Restaurant portion sizes are among your worst weight-loss enemies.  Decide before hand that you will either share your entrée or bring home leftovers.  Either way, you should make up your mind that you will eat about half of whatever entrée you choose.  Decide ahead of time that you will not give in to the temptation of fried appetizers.  Go for a salad instead, light on the dressing.  Dessert is often the biggest challenge for anyone who is trying to lose weight.  If nothing on the dessert menu excites you, then skip it.  A cup of mint tea after dinner can be an effective alternative that also feels and tastes like a sweet treat. 

Saying no to dessert is not always easy to do and your restraint may vary depending on the occasion.  If dessert is inescapable, then you have several options for damage control.  You can share your dessert or you can have just a few bites and let the rest go, knowing that you are doing this for your health and to honor your commitment to lose weight.  If you do order something for yourself, it helps if you redefine one of the healthier options like mixed berries as real treat.  Another idea is to order mixed berries along with your favorite choice.  Then eat the mixed berries first and it will be easier to have just a few bites of the less healthy treat.

For more tips on how to eat less when dining out click here: http://l2bl.com/Weight-Loss-Articles/How-To-Lose-Weight-Eat-Less-When-Eating-Out.html