Hi friends. Trying something different here at NL. Have any questions about your GutLove or healthy journey? I’ll answer in some helpful posts! Sound good? Simply contact me here. Anything you want to know! Let’s try one now.
Hi Melissa,
I’ve been following your Golden Goddess Plate and drinking the Golden Goddess Smoothies regularly. I feel great and I’ve lost weight, but now I want to be able to go out and still stay on track with this new way of eating. What are some of your strategies for eating out? -Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for your question, and congratulations on taking strides toward a healthier you!
First, eating out will not completely derail you from your goals. Fundamentally, the Golden Goddess Plate regulates your blood sugar levels and boosts your metabolism; this means that your body will continue to use food for fuel rather than storing it as fat. Eating out once or even twice a week won’t set you back and throw off your metabolism, so enjoy yourself.
Eating out can be a daunting task for many of us, but the beauty of the Golden Goddess Plate is that you can enjoy it at restaurants, as well. Following this way of dining is about sustaining healthy eating habits and balance, not extremes. One of my favorite things to do is trying new restaurants, but with some preparation and education.
Some helpful dining out tips:
- I always like to have a small meal mid-afternoon that will sustain me for hours so that I can make wise menu choices at dinner. If your blood sugar levels drop after not having a “bridge” snack before you go to dinner, you’re more likely to indulge in foods that don’t agree with you.
- Check out menus online before you go out. Most restaurants offer gluten free, vegan and paleo options, and allow substitutions, too. Make a plan for what you’re going to eat beforehand.
- Want a drink? Choose a club soda or seltzer with lime or lemon to start. If you want a glass of champagne or red wine, have one with dinner. This will minimize your alcohol intake so that you feel better the next day.
- I always opt not to have the bread basket at the table. It’s too tempting for me, and I end up being too full to enjoy my actual meal. You can also ask if gluten-free bread is available as an alternative.
- For an appetizer, I like to load up on the veggies. You can even order a veggie side as an app. Salad or soup is a great option. Ask if the soup is cream based; if so, opt for salad with olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon. A salad will help fill you up (hi, fiber!).
- For an entree, I choose a protein option like chicken, wild-caught salmon, or sautéed or grilled beef. I then swap out any carbs for extra veggies.
- If I have wine with dinner, I usually skip dessert. If I don’t have wine or a drink, then I’ll share a dessert with my dinner date.
- Alcohol is tricky. Red wine contains resveratrol, which is an antioxidant. However, alcohol has a negative effect on weight loss and gut health.
- Alcohol is a source of empty calories as well, so choose wisely. I order a clean margarita: tequila with club soda and fresh lime. You could also order champagne or wine as better options over fruit juice and syrup-filled cocktails.
