Hiya!
)
Restaurants are generally quite accommodating and willing to serve meals with special requests, for example switiching the chips for new potatoes, salad dressings served on the side etc.. so don't be worried about being fussy or making special requests.
Also try small things like ignoring the bread roll with soup, or eating the meat and vegetables first but leaving chips til last (when you're more likely to be full). And just having 2 courses - stater and main, or main and dessert.
Take some time really studying the menu beforehand if possible too so you don't just pick something high-fat on a whim. Would you eat vegetarian food? Those dishes can be healthier if not smothered in cheese etc.
Are you eating in these restaurants alone or with colleagues etc? If you are on your own you really have no excuses not to make nice healthy choices since others wont be raising eyebrows or commenting. Even if anyone does comment, most people are supportive when people are trying to lose weight, and many can relate with it being post-Christmas afterall.
Two more things!! (Can you tell I am in a hotel tonight for work too???) Does the hotel have a gym? Perfect! Get yourself in there and tell yourself you only have to do a nice easy low-impact half hour. You're almost certain to do more and push yourself harder, plus it stops you sitting around snacking in you room... If it doesn't have a gym or pool (like the place I'm in now) you can easily do an exercise DVD in the privacy of your room! Most hotel rooms have enough space to move around and it can be really good fun!
Lastly! Don't feel compelled to rely entirely on restaurants/cafes/conference-provided lunches etc. Find the closest supermarket and take low-fat crackers and fruit to your room, or even some low-cal beers! I did exactly that tonight; you feel like you have more control over your diet.
Ooh! Absolutely last thing!! I think countless studies have shown that you stand more chance of successfully losing weight if you have a target or an end goal. Try imagining a figure on the scales, do some maths to work out how long it will take to reach (1-2lbs safe loss per week) and best of all: how great you will look afterwards! Visualisation is a really key to keeping yourself motivated.
Go for it!! And good luck
)
Sky x
