Day 35: Dining Out

Day #35
Pounds Lost: 14.5
Goal: -50 lbs.

I made a conscious decision to go one month without dining out in a restaurant because I know that it is difficult to stay completely on program.  First, there are the temptations like bread baskets and unhealthy sides.   Also, most of the restaurant meals use fats and sodium in the preparation so even when you ask for no added fats, you have less control over what you are eating.  I decided to get one month under my belt and the added motivation of a big weight loss before taking that on.

The problem was that my husband and my major recreational activities involve food and wine.  Whether it is trying new restaurants, wine tasting or socializing with friends, it all revolves around food!  I had to come up with some new ideas for recreation that were not focused on food.  The fun thing is that I discovered some things that I have not done in years that were really enjoyable!

On our first date night, we went bowling in a new yuppie bowling alley called King Pinz in Leesburg.  I made sure to eat first so that I was not tempted by the food options there.  After not bowling for 20+ years, my scores were pretty embarrassing, but it was a lot of fun!  We spent other evenings at outdoor concerts, the movies and cookouts with friends at our home where we could control the menu.  We also found some local parks where we could take the dogs for walks through the woods and down to the river.  My recreational activities gradually became more activities and people and less food related.

The first night that I decided to eat out, I planned carefully.  Step one was picking the proper place.  I chose the Wegmans grocery store in Leesburg because they have an incredible seafood restaurant in the store.  The food is amazing and reasonably priced and, best of all, you can watch it being prepared right in front of you!  Also, they don't serve bread or potatoes with the meal.  I ordered the Grilled Halibut with steamed vegetables.  They list the calorie count right on the menu, so I knew exactly what I was getting.  The fish was prepared perfectly and was so good that we bought some Halibut at the store to cook at home the next evening.  

The next venture out was a bit more challenging.  I went to Mike's American Grill in Springfield.  I was in a celebratory mood after settling two very challenging real estate transactions and from having reached a one month weight loss of 13 1/2 pounds!  I made some good choices, like water instead of wine, no bread basket, substituting the french fries and coleslaw for asparagus, and skipping dessert.  I selected the crab cakes for the entree which have a minimum amount of breading, but some fat.  My biggest indulgence was to order a Ceasar Salad. I asked for no croutons, but ate the regular salad dressing.  I knew that I was splurging but I enjoyed every bite.  I paid the price by not losing as much weight this week, but I got right back on program and I am still headed towards my goal.

Long term weight loss and maintenance hinge on being able to bring regular activities into your life in moderation and to develop the habits that allow you to enjoy them without causing you to damage your health and happiness. I am so glad to have rediscovered activities that I can do with my friends and family that don't revolve around food-- we are having fun spending time together and I'm still losing weight!