macros + eating out (with no stress)
Do you hesitate to accept dinner plans just because you’re worried about MyFitnessPal being the annoying third wheel?!
Yep.. been there.
Don’t worry, here at the Habyt, counting your macros does not mean you have to live like a hermit. Sure, meals are easier to track when you make them yourself, but that doesn’t mean you have avoid restaurants or your friends’ summer BBQs. Here are a few macro-friendly tips for dining out:
Peep the menu: If you are going out to a restaurant, scope out the menu in advance. Deciding what you want to order before will help you map out your macros for the day. You can even be super extra and call the restaurant to ask any questions you may have about preparation and ingredients. (Or stalk their instagram feed for pictures of their entrees)
Budget your drinks: Stick to classic cocktails, which you can log ahead of time. It’s totally cool to indulge in a drink or two, but remember these tips for consuming alcohol.
Look for simple swaps: There can still be spontaneity in your life when you are counting macros. You may decide to go out to lunch with coworkers on a whim or accept a last minute date. Look for simple swaps you can make at restaurants to make your meals more macro-friendly. Getting pizza? Opt for thin crust. Out for Mexican? Try a taco salad instead of a burrito. Feeling sushi? Choose sashimi over tempura. Burgers? Eat it open faced. We believe you can make any meal fit. Instead of saying no, get creative!
Drink or dessert: Which one sparks more joy for you? Whether it be a glass of vino or a slice a cake, the bread basket, or a decadent meal, aim for one indulgence, and truly ENJOY IT.
Don’t stress: Eating out should be fun and not filled with anxiety. Going into a meal feeling stressed opens the gates for emotional eating (plus, stress is known to mess with your digestion). Enjoy the company surrounding you and the meal in front of you. A bite of dessert is not going to make or break you.
Pack it up: If you are finished eating, kindly ask the waiter to pack up your leftovers or take away your plate. Restaurant portions are often super sized, and you don’t have to eat everything they serve you.
Don’t forget to log it: Logging is always better than not logging. It can be challenging to log a meal that you did not prepare yourself, but do the best you can to track it. Knowledge is power and this will help you examine your eating habits.
Remember, this isn’t the last supper: As coach Nat say, you’ll be eating food, everyday, for the rest of forever. Remember, this isn’t your last meal.
