I'm new to weight loss, eating out is a calorie nightmare!

I have the same problem. Walking in with all intentions of sticking to the plan and then when its time for me to order something else comes out of my mouth!

Some of that seems like a willpower issue.

When it comes to being embarrassed about trying to lose weight, you shouldn't be. You're trying to better yourself. No need to be ashamed of it.

As for your pizza example, try to go for a thin crust veggie pizza if available. Sure, it's not exactly low in calorie, but it's much better than most of your options.

Try and eat light for lunch and breakfast and save up your calories for going out to eat. Or plan going out to eat on your long workout days and push yourself to burn more calories so you can eat more!

It gets easier, I promise! I used to avoid eating out all together, but found out that some restaurants post the calories for each item/meal. there are plenty of delicious meals that won't ruin your progress. As for the dessert thing..it's really just a matter of how much self control you have or how badly you want to change. At the end of the day you can be PROUD of yourself and say, "I made the right decision saying no to dessert tonight, and i feel great!"

The little things add up. Good luck!

Another thing I do when everyone else is ordering burgers is to go ahead and order a burger, then eat half of it and ask for a box.

Hi
If I know I am going to go out to eat, I just look up a food and see how many calories are in that food, then if I have the extra calories to eat something I really want I do, and I also burn more calories so I have extra to binge on, its all about a choice, you have a choice as to what goes in your mouth, and be honest with yourself and write everything in your journal, as you go along you will see what you need to do to step it up and stay on track. I have a variety of foods that I eat. Just dont over due it and the weight with calorie counting and exercise and lots of water will get you there..................don't give up because you eat out alot, most resturants have healthy meal replacements and your not stuck to only eating a salad. Good luck on your journey!!

Sometimes salads are just as many calories, if not MORE calories than burger and fries. So be careful there.

Also, you could order a burger and skip the cheese and mustard. Skip any sauce they add to it like ranch or a spicy sauce, or a burger sauce. You can ask for it on the side if you want. If anyone questions you can simply say they put too much on for your tastes. Most places will sub a turkey burger or a chicken breast instead of beef, that could slice some calories. Instead of fries, see if you can order a salad or mixed veggies. Or, if you feel you must order fries, over salt them as soon as they get to your table so you won't eat them. Love over salted fries? "accidentally" sugar the fries instead. Oops - can't eat them now!

Stay away from anything breaded, if you are eyeing something, say or a sandwich, that uses breaded chicken ask if they can do it grilled. I am sure they can.

For pizza, look for thin crust. If you want toppings, ask for veggies. Meats will raise the calorie count by a lot typically. But you can always do chicken, but still in my opinion adds useless calories to pizza. Yes it tastes good, but, there isn't really any need for it. You can ask for half the cheese, or just go in knowing you can eat 1-2 slices and be fine. You could do more if there is room. Order a side salad first, ask for no cheese and no croutons. Ask for dressing on the side.

Try not to order drinks with calories, iced tea is low calorie and wouldn't be that big of a deal to order instead of soda. Or just do water. Wanting alcohol? Research low calorie beers and be aware of what one would be the lowest calorie available at the restaurant you are going to. Or, order vodka and a diet soda or club soda. Or rum. Avoid sugary mixed drinks.

Look for mini desserts, but even those can be 500 or more calories. If you must have a dessert, share it. If you went out last night and had a dessert, skip it tonight. If the company questions you, I am SURE if you said you just had dessert last night they would understand. If they don't, tell them you are stuffed from dinner.

Prepare your meals and don't eat out so much... make it ONE lunch/dinner a week.

When I was actively trying to lose a lot of weight, I found it best to just skip the restaurants. They cook with tons of butter and oil and portions are huge. I worked in the restaurant biz once upon a time and on average, a restaurant portion is at least 2 servings, sometimes more. When I was actively losing, I treated myself to my favorite restaurant maybe once or twice per month. Even now, it's pretty rare that I eat out at a restaurant.

I often times use the mobile app to plan what I will eat while waiting for a table. Most chain restaurants have some good choices on the menu, replace fries with veggies. You can also ask for a box when they bring your food out. Cut it all in 1/2 and put the other 1/2 in a to go box.

That's what I do. Order broccoli instead of mashed potatoes or fries. And only eat half. Box it up immediately, so it's not sitting there on the plate, staring at you. lol I will ask for a box to be brought out WITH my food. If the server forgets, I just ask them right away. It helps. Immensely.