Eating Out vs Eating In

Everyone likes to be taken care of once in a while, heck sometimes I like to be taken care all of the time, but there comes a time when eating out and being served can take it's toll not only on your pocket book, but your waistline as well. Now granted, there are menus such as Applebee's "550 meals", where each meal is to have 550 calories in it.  Which is great, but how many grams of fat do they really have?  Better yet, is the chef actually following the guidelines that they are supposed to?   

So, if you are having trouble trying to find time to cook for yourself and family, then try to plan ahead.  Some busy families prepare their meals for the week on Sundays, having any left over food from dinner as their lunch the next day. Eating at home has numerous health benefits, but most importantly it gives you the choice of what ingredients you decide to include or omit in your meals. Have you ever glanced at what a burger at a fast food restaurant is made with- there can be tons of ingredients, some with names you've never heard of or cannot pronounce. When you cook at home, you can keep your foods.

Also, when eating out, one thinks, "ohhh, a special occasion" so they splurge.  When eating out, make the right decisions for you.  Of course, eating a slice of pizza isn't going to harm you, but if you find that you've eaten half the pizza, then your in trouble.  Try to make good choices by...

• drinking water or low fat milk instead of consuming empty calories with soda or alcohol. 
• watch your portion sizes, split your meal in half and ask for a box when your meal is served.  That way, you can box up the other half before mindlessly eating it. 
• Go for a balanced meal....a turkey sandwich with lettuce & tomato is much better than a cheeseburger (red meat) on a white bun.  Also, ask for any condiments/dressings on the side and when you use them, use them sparingly.  With a salad, dip your fork into the side of dressing, then pick up the lettuce....you save many calories this way. 

The other day, I went to Panera, thinking I would splurge and go out to eat with my wonderful cousin!  Well, I added up my intake, and am shocked at my options.  Next time, maybe I should supplement/omit some of the choices. 


How many times a week do you eat out?  Can you limit this to once per week? What are some tricks you use when going out that helps that waistline?