Tips to Handle Eating / Drinking on a Date

Dating can be a fun … but it can also be a way to pack on the pounds. Out for drinks with Tom on Tuesday night (3 glasses of wine) … no time for the gym. Then dinner at the new tapas hot spot with Bob on Wednesday night (multiple glasses of sangria and endless tapas ).  Then out to the steakhouse bar with girlfriends on Thursday night (pic of myself, Esther and Paula at Rothmans Steakhouse in NYC) – because that’s where all the guys hang  (3 glasses of wine) … then munchies later on. What is a city girl to do? We want to meet Mr. Right – but we also want to keep fitting into our skinny jeans.

Obviously, city girls don’t want to make a big scene about the fact we’re watching our weight. I don’t think any guy likes a woman who “eats like a bird” and/or orders everything made special (steamed, sauce on the side, grilled without any oil, etc). There is nothing wrong with ordering a burger and fries and or a plate of pasta or even your own dessert on occasion. However, if you are out in restaurants or bars several nights a week, you will need to make some changes if you want to continue to fit into your clothes. Rather than being obvious about watching your diet, try these discreet tips.  First, check out these typical scenieros:

Typical sceniero:
HIM: He passes you the bread basket.
YOU think:  He offered it to me, I don’t want to be rude and say no.
INSTEAD say: No thanks. No explanation needed! Many people are trying to avoid eating bread at dinner.

HIM: What do you want for dessert? I’m going to get the chocolate mousse cake.
YOU think:  Mmmm, that sounds good. I really don’t want to break the festive mood
INSTEAD say: I’m too full to get my own, but I’ll take a bite of yours if you don’t mind. Also. keep in mind that overeating will make you feel sluggish.

HIM: Let’s split an order of fried calamari as a starter.  (pic of man with fried food)
YOU think: How can I say no and be a party pooper?
INSTEAD say: I’m not a huge fried food person. Or the same excuse – it will make me to full.
 

Restaurant tips to stay slender while dating:
1. Play a role in selecting the restaurant. Suggest a restaurant where you know you can get healthy choices.  Some men like it when a woman takes charge! Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should pick a restaurant where the entrees are $40!

2. Eat really slow. Most guys tend to inhale their food. So by the time he has finished his meal, chances are you’ll only be half way done. Then put your fork down and push the plate away. If you like, you can tell him you’re full and offer him some of your meal.

3. Talk a lot (but not so much to be annoying!). This will mean less eating.

4. When he asks if you want dessert, say the meal delicious and that you are really full. Tell him you don’t want your own dessert but that you’ll take a taste of his. Take a bite …. that’s it! Order a cup of coffee or expresso so you can drink while he eats.

5. Alcohol can be a problem. Guys tend to weigh more than women, have more muscle mass and can metabolize alcohol more efficiently. But often times, we go drink for drink with the guys.  A cocktail before dinner, sharing a bottle of wine with dinner and then an after dinner drink.  This is not good! Drink slowly and drink a lot of water in between alcoholic beverages. You should really only be drinking one alcoholic beverage for his two. Limiting your alcohol intake is a win-win situation. You will save calories, the potentional for a hangover the next day and you’ll also avoid the “beer goggle” (see pic) syndrome (thinking he is cuter than he really is!)

6. If you’ve had an especially busy week with dating/eating/drinking, skip the night out with your girlfriends. Instead, hit the gym and eat a light dinner.

Check out this fun site, tres sugar,  for more tips on dating