Are you struggling to lose weight because of your dining out habits? Dusty Young, a weight loss coach who successfully shed 100 pounds on his own journey, has shared some valuable insights on how to navigate restaurants while still achieving your weight loss goals. In a recent social media post, Young highlighted the top mistakes people make when eating out and provided practical tips for making healthier choices.
One common mistake Young pointed out is treating every meal out like a buffet in Las Vegas. He emphasized that it’s not one indulgent meal that derails progress, but the cumulative effect of consistently overeating. Young suggested choosing only one extra item, such as an appetizer or dessert, to avoid turning every meal into a high-calorie feast.
Another pitfall Young mentioned is showing up at a restaurant when you’re extremely hungry. This often leads to mindless eating and consuming extra calories before the meal even begins. Young advised against skipping meals to save calories and instead recommended eating balanced meals throughout the day to prevent excessive hunger and impulsive choices at restaurants.
Being unprepared when dining out was also highlighted as a common mistake. Young shared his strategy of checking the menu beforehand and selecting options that align with his health goals. This approach helps him make informed decisions and avoid last-minute temptations that can derail progress.
Feeling obligated to clean your plate was another error Young addressed. He emphasized the importance of listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, slowing down while eating, and stopping when satisfied. Young also suggested boxing up half of the meal before starting to prevent overeating.
Lastly, Young cautioned against eating out frequently, as restaurant meals tend to be higher in calories due to added fats, sugars, and sauces. He recommended reducing the frequency of dining out and approaching restaurant meals with a strategic plan in place to stay on track with weight loss goals.
In conclusion, Young emphasized the importance of being intentional and mindful when dining out, rather than striving for perfection. By making conscious choices and having a plan in place, you can enjoy restaurant meals while still making progress towards your weight loss goals. Remember, it’s not about avoiding restaurants altogether, but about navigating them wisely to support your health journey.