Another week on the Tone It Up Bikini Series Plan and drum roll, please….
I’m down 1.2 pounds for the week and still loving the plan! So that means since I started I’ve lost 7.8 lbs., and a total of an inch in my arms and 3/4 of inches in my waist.
Of course, my weight loss has slowed, as it always does when I get closer to the goal. But I have to say, I would have been happy with just an ounce or two after the past seven days.
This past week I have had far more than normal “abnormal” eating opportunities. I went to the California State Fair, it was “potluck week” at work (yes, you read it right- WEEK), I took a cooking class, and went out to eat five times thanks to pre-planned events.
This week was a really great opportunity to put my Tone It Up eating out modification skills to the test. Here’s a quick rundown of what worked for me:
Manage the Menu
Have you ever been to a restaurant, looked at the menu and think there is no way you can stick to your nutrition plan? Well, just because there aren’t healthy options clearly available, doesn’t mean you have to go crazy or not eat at all.
I’m a firm believer you can alter a ton of dishes to make them healthier.
For example, on Sunday my husband and I took a small road trip. We stopped at a local place with a line out the door, so we figured it had to be good. It was a classic small-town café that didn’t disappoint, but also clearly didn’t pack the place because of their healthy options.
On the menu, they had a Grilled Santa Fe Chicken sandwich. It came with lettuce, tomato, salsa, avocado, Ortega peppers, & sour cream on a bun.
All I did was ask for no bun or sour cream. Instead of fries, I did a green salad and I only ate some of the avocado. It was the perfect lunch.
Pick the Fish
I love fish, so this isn’t a big deal to me, but if you aren’t a seafood person, chicken is also a safe bet. Before I ordered the fish I made sure it was going to prepared grilled, not sautéed, and of course not fried.
When one of dishes came with potatoes, I just subbed out grilled veggies, which was the side for a different dish on the menu.
Another time when the dish came with mash potatoes I just had a bite, and left the rest. I always need to remind myself that I really don’t have to finish everything on my plate.
More often than not, even when I’m satisfied I will continue to eat, just because the food is in front of me.
Plan Ahead
I’ll be honest, at the California State Fair, there weren’t a ton of options. I did some research beforehand and a Greek food vendor had chicken and veggies.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one with this idea, because they sold out by the time we were ready for dinner.
We were only at the fair for a few hours in the evening and I had planned ahead by bringing carrots and a Kind Bar, so that became dinner. Thank God for my “just in case” options.
Limit Your Portions
The cooking class I took was Italian food, so I ate a small portion of the meatballs and skipped the pasta (except for a taste).
At the work potlucks, I stuck to veggies and fruit. Small sacrifices, but all worth it considering I’m feeling so much better.
Looking back, this week was filled with a lot of eating ‘potholes’ that I’m glad I avoided.
I’m learning that going out to eat has more to do with the company and is not all about just eating the food. Great food is amazing, but I don’t have to have a “cheat meal” every time I go out.
I also realized I don’t have to order dessert just because the meal is over and I’m done chatting with friends.
Just last night I was out to dinner with a really close girlfriend I rarely get to see anymore. We were having a wonderful time talking when the dessert menus came.
Our first thought was to get the mini donuts, but considering we both were just literally talking about how frustrating it is to get off those last few pounds, we decided to skip them. Instead, we just talked a little longer and enjoyed the beautiful evening. No donuts needed!
