Tips for eating out

Sure, eating every single meal at home is one way to ensure you’re the boss of your food choices. But who lives that way? Most of us have to grab food on the go, or are obliged to eat out frequently with co-workers, or want to enjoy a nice restaurant meal with friends or family. Getting a plan in place is a great place to start.

Before you go out

• Look up the menu online. Once you’ve decided on a cuisine and a restaurant, figure out what you want to eat. You can pre-track your meal or even save your favourite restaurant meals in My Day to save time. (Just tap the star icon when you track it.)

• Do the maths: Will you use any of your weekly SmartPoints® for the meal, maybe for a special dessert or a drink?

• Rehearse your “lines” ahead of time. If you’re not used to asking for “a side salad instead of fries, please,” practice before you go so you’re comfortable making the request.

At the restaurant

• Ask questions! If you’re not sure how a dish is prepared based on the description, always ask your waiter for details.

• Get creative with the menu. No need to eat a whole starter: Ask for two small plates and share. Chances are you only need a small nibble to tide you over until the main dish arrives.

• Want to satisfy your sweet tooth? Use your weeklies! Or stick with something fresh and light like sorbet, or split a dessert with a friend.

After the meal

• Look back at how the meal went. Were there any unexpected hurdles—that basket of rolls, say, or your boss urging you to try her fried calamari? How did you handle them? If you're not happy with any of your choices, what could you do differently?

• Check out #eatingout on Connect to get ideas from other members.