Type-A Mom has a new look! Check out the new site! We're also hiring writers!

Everyone does it. You swear when you walk into restaurant you will make the right choice. But then you see the special and your vow is blown out the window. WIth these simple tips you can learn to ignore the bad signals and eat properly. Subscribe to Type-A Mom articles

(2090 bytes)

Plan what you are going to eat.

Eating out is difficult for many people because of the large portions restaurant's offer. Try to stick to the healthy options that all restaurants now have. If you eat out more then one time a month pick one of those nights to reward yourself with a small dessert.

Sit where there is less distractions.

People that sit in the busier parts of the restaurant's eat more than the people who don't sit by the window or a TV. If you are distracted by something else you don't notice how much you are eating. If you need to make a reservation ahead of time go ahead and ask for the quiet spot, your diet with thank you.

Recognize the menu traps.

The description of foods like tender or juicy are common on menus. This is to make you want to try the food by appealing to your senses and make you want to order the food.

If you make it a game to pick out all these words you will become a pro at seeing them and they will have no effect on you. Then you can stay away from these traps.

Order first in the group at the table.

If you are trying to order healthy, order first. Then you won't change your mind when your friend orders the never ending shrimp platter. If you can't order first repeat what you are ordering over and over in your head so then you can stick to it.

If you dine there often just order your healthy meal without opening the menu. This way you won't be tempted to order something less nutritious.

Be the last one to start eating.

Pick up your fork after everyone has started eating, and pace yourself slow. If you get caught up in the conversations you will be much more likely to overeat. Stop eating when the first person you notice stops eating. This way you will have less eating time and by eating slow you will have consumed less.

If you follow these simple tips you'll be able to enjoy the experience and company of being with your friends, which is why you wanted to eat out in the first place.