Tuesday, February 27, 2007


5 Sneaky Diet Makeover Tips

How to drop pounds and inches at your favorite restaurant

In Chapter 2 of WeddingShape Diet and Fitness Guide for Brides, I write about the importance of eating 42 fresh, portion-controlled meals each week. If you’re like the rest of the busy brides-to-be, there are going to be occasions when you need to dine out. But celebratory dinners or lunch at your favorite cafĂ© should not sabotage your figure-firming plans. Follow these five sneaky diet makeover tips to help you get in WeddingShape, even when you can’t control the menu.

1. Stay away from the bread basket. Need I say more? In fact, ask the waiter not to bring bread to the table at all.

2. Ask for sauces and salad dressings on the side. This will help you avoid unwanted and hidden calories. To still enjoy the flavor, try lightly dipping your food into the dressing or sauce.

3. Avoid ordering dishes with these words: crispy, fried, smothered, creamy, au gratin, bĂ©arnaise, buttery, hollandaise, pan-fried, and flash-fried. And don’t confuse “stir-fried” for “healthy”—although healthier than deep-fried foods, it is still fattening.

4. Look for words like: seared, grilled, broiled, baked, and steamed, which typically suggest a healthier dish.

5. Go easy on the alcohol, but an occasional drink won’t slow your progress. Just be sure to include it as part of your overall daily plan (and remember the way a hangover affects your next morning’s workout). Steer clear of fruity blended concoctions, which are usually packed with sugar and extra calories.

Do you have your own tricks for staying in WeddingShape while dining out? I’d love to hear your tips!

Best,

Joe

Joseph Arangio

Author, WeddingShape Diet and Fitness Guide for Brides

P.S. No time to cook? Watch this video segment to learn how to prepare a week's worth of meals in under two hours. From the grocery aisle to the kitchen, I show you how easy it is.