Your dining in (or out) guide

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Sure, dining out and celebrations look different this year...but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy yourself and still lose weight. With the holiday season right around the corner, lean on our tried-and-true (and fan favorite!) strategies to eat what you love and stay on track.

3 fast facts

1. Research shows that we’re more likely to overeat when the environment or ambiance feels special—like when we’re at a restaurant or dinner party.

2. Studies show that we tend to enjoy foods more when they’re described in nostalgic or sensory ways (“grandma’s mac and cheese” or “tender roasted beef”). Restaurants are experts at doing this!

3. People are more likely to eat more of the food that they expect to be better, like that mac and cheese from grandma instead of the box version, which can lead to unwanted SmartPoints®.

Try this technique

This year, give one or two of these tips a try—and cheers to a special evening!

1. Bank your SmartPoints

Save your Weeklies and rollovers to use as a cushion for your holiday meal.

2. Start snacking

You read that right. Have a low or zero SmartPoints snack before your meal so you aren’t totally ravenous once the food hits the table.

3. Do your research

Take a look at the menu online (or in the WW app’s database) and pre-track your meal so you aren’t hit with sticker shock after you’ve ordered.

4. Decode the menu

Words like creamy, rich, decadent, fried, or crispy usually indicate a dish has been cooked with cream, butter, or oil. (And it might have more SmartPoints.)

5. Go halfsies

If a restaurant’s serving size is larger than you want, split it or wrap up leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

6. Set the mood

If you’re missing the ambiance from a restaurant or large gathering, recreate the vibe. Use your fancy plates, put out placemats, and stream a good playlist.

7. Get creative

Yes, even if you’re sitting in your own house. Using descriptive language, write out your meal (bonus points for fancy paper and designs!) will make it seem special and more enjoyable.

8. Snap a photo

Is tracking during meals getting in the way of actually eating? Take a picture of your food and track it later.

9. Serve from a distance

Set up food in the kitchen or on a counter instead of right on the table family style. You’ll be able to better pre-portion what you want to eat to avoid taking seconds or thirds that you might not want.

10. Raise a glass

If you don’t want your Zoom happy hour to turn into a virtual open bar, pre-portion the cocktails—or mocktails!—you want to have.

Come back next week for part five of our NEW six-part “Fan favourites” series!

Missed part one? Catch up here.

Missed part two? Catch up here.

Missed part three? Catch up here.