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1. You ignore portion control – NEWFLASH: American portions are way out of control. We often eat outrageous servings when we dine out. Think about it: Do we really need to devour a mountain of vodka penne to honestly satisfy our hunger and ourselves? Hey, I’m guilty too – If someone sets a plate full of grub in front of me, I’m more than likely to finish the entire thing.
Andreya’s Advice: Ask your waiter to put half of your meal in a to-go box BEFORE he/she brings it to your table. This way, you’ll only consume half of your meal at the restaurant, and you won’t even realize what you’re missing out on. Bonus – you’ll score leftovers!
2. You get your drink on – I’m not even talking about alcohol here ladies, which is a whole other faux-pas I won’t even get started on. But many of us unknowingly tack hundreds of calories onto our meals when we’re out to eat by ordering iced tea, soda, and other sugary beverages. And don’t think you diet soda lovers are off the hook either!
Andreya’s Advice: Order water with lemon (bet you knew that was coming)! Its light, refreshing, and FREE. If you really can’t live without your soda fix, limit yourself to one glass and order water alongside to quench your thirst.
3. You over-indulge – Now I know most of you aren’t out ordering five course meals, but when we’re out to eat its easy to get carried away. Appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts, OH MY! With so many choices, many of us grab an appetizer or four, even if we aren’t that hungry to begin with.
Andreya’s Advice: Relish in the fact that you’re eating out in the first place, which should be an indulgence in itself. If you’re dying to test out the new appetizer on the menu and order your usual entrée, refer to faux-pas #1 and ask your waiter to box up half or your meal before it even comes to your table.
4. You eat out… all the time – Come on, we’re college students! With such little time as it is, many of us resort to the most convenient option and head to the dining hall or settle in at our favorite restaurant on a very (almost too) regular basis.
Andreya’s Advice: Eat at home more often. It is common knowledge that cooking yourself instead of eating out saves you calories and cash! If you live off-campus (like me), dust off those cooking utensils and put your culinary skills to the test. For those who are dorming, most residential housing offers some type of kitchen facility, so round up your roommates and get cooking!
If you have a “Beyond Exercise” tip you swear by let me know by commenting on this post or tweeting me @AndreyaShaak!