My tricks to handling the love without getting love handles.
It’s all fun and games until the jeans don’t fit anymore. Whether you’re in a relationship or playing the field, it involves a lot of eating out. I repeat, a lot! Checking out the newest cafe in town, going to your favourite date night spot for sushi and wine or hitting the neighbourhood bar with your significant other for a night cap after a long day. The options are as vast as they are limited for date night activities in a city like ours.
There are a few simple hacks that will help you balance your social calendar with looking like a million bucks.
Choose the place wisely
Scientific studies prove that places with low light and soft music result in eating less, and enjoying the food more. Choose a spot with romantic mood lighting and jazz tunes for back- ground score for your next date. Win-win!
Do your homework
This is a trick I’ve been using for years! I always read the menu on my way to a date. It helps me analyse what’s seemingly the healthiest option without me looking too fussy in front of my man. Such a sneaky but foolproof move!
Be more aware
Don’t let commonly considered healthy foods dupe you in to making the wrong choice. Guys looking for their protein fix, beware! Most restaurants flash-fry meats and fish before dressing them up in gravies. A piece of explicitly stated steamed fish might be your safest bet. Salads aren’t always healthy either. Some salads with oil and cream based dressings, nuts and cheese pack in more calories than pizza! Choose wisely!
Be creative
Use some creativity to make slight modifications to your order to make it healthier. If you’re eating Mexican, skip the taco shell and build a taco salad for yourself instead. Add some veggies to a sandwich to make it more wholesome and filling, and skimp on the more calorific staples like mayo.
Be vocal
Don’t feel shy to ask the server to make special notes to use less oil or to serve the dressing on the side. It’s your body and you’re taking responsibility for it. As long as you actually eat, and don’t just twirl your fork around in a bowl of leaves all through dinner, it’s absolutely acceptable.
Eat Slowly
Cutting your food in to small bite-sized pieces before eating not only makes you look more refined, but also helps you eat slower. Keeping the conversation going after the food has arrived rather than wolfing down your food also helps with eating slower and thus feeling fuller faster. It also helps for making better company for your date.
Men vs Women
You may have found your match, but you don’t need to match bite for bite. Girls, you’re allowed to order smaller, lighter entrees and share them with your date. Men have bigger appetites than women. Bear in mind that they also burn more calories given their higher muscle content.
So let’s all pledge to eat with discretion, pray we don’t get fat and stay in love!
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