December, with the whirl of social engagements that it brings, I often wonder how on earth we have time for work between juggling client and work commitments along with personal social events that are de rigueur. Last week alone I had seven, yes, seven engagements that were based around dinner and/or lunch. Not to mention the late-night Christmas shopping that ends up in a restaurant because if you don’t eat now you’ll fall over.
It's so damn easy to forget about the pudding you had only the day before, or treating yourself to a steaming bowl of pasta because you are running out of steam from the excesses of the previous few days. These quick fixes will only be that; and unfortunately the bread rolls will add up and weight will be gained. I’m sorry to be so blunt, but unless you’re working like a dervish in the gym then it is a given.
Half of the issue around weight gain over Christmas is not just about what we eat on the day itself it is also about what we consume on the run up to it. I find that, however much I enjoy them, festive client & friend dinners and lunches can really cause havoc with my dietary choices unless I think smartly every time I am handed that menu.
Restaurants are not the healthiest of places to eat. Chefs are taught to cook and balance a meal in respects to flavours rather than nutritious content, which unfortunately, does not lend itself well to the waistline. Unavoidable issues, include the amount of salt, fat or sugar that is in a recipe but we can control our menu choice and give our bodies beautifully prepared food, without the added aggravation of having to work like crazy at the gym in January.
Restaurant Rules:
1) Avoid the bread: pre-meal bread is just a filler that gives the kitchen more time to prepare the food (and also increases the cost of your meal by £2-3 per person).
2) Avoid the pizza/pasta combo: these starchy carbohydrates are killer for weight gain and as they are cheap fillers it is easy for the restaurant to give you massive portions; giving you the perception that they are value for money and often we end up eating it all as well; even when we don’t want it.
3) Two courses only: Or if you’re feeling really good, choose to have a starter instead of a main as they can often be the size of a small meal. If you think you’ll need a little more then have an extra side of veggies or salad.
4) On the side: always ask for the dressing or sauce on the side so you can be in control of how much you want on your food.
5) Banish the cream: Tomato sauces contain far less saturated fats then creamy ones; soured cream, crème fraiche, whipped; however they dress it up, its still cream and packed full of calories that we do not need in large quantities.
6) Water: always drink water before your meal to help increase your digestive juices. Adding some fresh lemon or lime will help your body absorb it better. It goes without saying that too much alcohol can be a chronic issue when you are a serial entertainer. Have a glass in between each glass of wine and ideally do not have more than two small glasses.
7) Sharing is caring: If you go for dessert, find another willing victim, or two, to share it with you. I’m not suggesting ‘death to pudding’ as I’m a massive fan, but every time you go out? You’re just asking for trouble. At least this way everyone gets to be naughty with less guilt.
8) Always ask: Are the veggies served in butter? If so, request they are served plain or with a squeeze of lemon juice instead.
9) Fish first: Fish contains less dense protein which is easier for the body to digest and absorb. It contains good fats that are excellent for the immune system, brain and cell function. Choose poached rather than pan-fried, and remember the rule about sauces.
10) Potato famine: I’m sorry but the humble spud is a waistline killer. The glucose shoots into your bloodstream so fast that your body goes on super-glucose alert every time. By all means, the odd chip or spud is ok, but as a general rule; avoid.
Image via avlxyz's Flickr