How to enjoy eating out

Happy hour with your BFF, a client lunch, pizza Friday at your go-to spot—you can fit it all in and still stay on track.

At these healthier spots, you’ll find lots of menu items that help you save Points, plus a few higher-Points favourites to spend them on.

Save Points: Edamame, miso soup, seaweed salad, steamed gyoza, sashimi—or hibachi-grilled seafood (light oil).

Spend ’em: Tempura, rolls or sushi pieces with creamy or sticky-sweet sauces.

Save Points: Lentil soup, tabouli, salads (light dressing), hummus, baba ganoush, chicken breast kebabs.

Spend ’em: Garlic dip or sauce, fried appetisers like falafel, extra rice.

Save Points: Salsa, ceviche, chicken or prawn fajitas, grilled-fish tacos with corn tortillas, beans, fresh veggies.

Spend ’em: Queso fundido, smothered or cheesy burrito, fried chimichanga (a.k.a. deep-fried burritos).

Save Points: Greek salad, stuffed grape/vine leaves, grilled fish, prawn or chicken breast souvlaki, sautéed greens.

Spend ’em: Spinach pie, gyros wrap, moussaka, keftedes (a.k.a. Greek meatballs).

Save Points: Mussels, cold shellfish appetisers, grilled or blackened fish, scallops, veggie sides.

Spend ’em: Fried appetisers, fish and chips, creamy fish chowders, mayo-based seafood salads.

Save Points: Veggie omelette, side salad, porridge with fruit, wholemeal toast.

Spend ’em: Loaded pancakes or french toast, pastries, hash browns, bacon.

Can’t plan ahead? Low on Points? Let’s walk through what to do.

1. Before you get to the restaurant, check your Points, consider what else you have planned for the week, then decide how many Points you’ll spend here on food and drinks.

2. As you look at the menu, choose a brothy soup, salad, or ZeroPoint food starter, then…

• If the appetisers sound amazing: Pick one to share and order another as your main.

• If the entrées are where it’s at: Swap in a healthier side, or take half home.

• If you’re all about dessert: Go with a main dish of ZeroPoint foods and splurge (a bit) on sweets.

3. When you order, ask if the kitchen can box up half of your meal, and don't be shy about requesting swaps—less oil or butter, a different cooking method or side, etc.

4. After your food arrives, eat slowly to savour each bite, and don't feel obligated to clean your plate. When done, put your napkin over any leftovers or have them put in a takeaway container for later.

So, you went over Budget (weeklies too)—it’s normal! It’s also not the end of the world or your journey.

• ✅ DO make your next meal low in Points. And track it! Every meal is a chance for a fresh start.
  
  

• 🚫 DON’T give up. You wouldn’t drain your bank account if you lost $10, right? No, you’d keep a closer watch on your money. Same idea with your Points Budget.
  
  

• ✅ DO make a plan for next time. What tripped you up and how can you fix it? Budget ahead? Fill up on a lower-Points appetiser? Make swaps?
  
  

• 🚫 DON’T be hard on yourself. Talk to yourself like a friend; everyone stumbles, and you can bounce back.
  
  

• ✅ DO celebrate a mini victory. Next time you eat out and stay on Budget, pat yourself on the back.
  
  

• 🚫 DON’T deprive yourself. Swearing off a fave restaurant or dish could backfire; instead, plan how to fit it into your Budget.