Four Survival Tips for Eating Out at Italian Restaurants While Trying to Lose Weight

June 24, 2014 | Filed under: Adult Health,Carmel Valley,Contributor Spotlight,Eat,Featured,Health,Health & Fitness | Posted by:

Carmel Valley San Diego Community | Amy Mewborn | Italian DishI swear I should have been born to an Italian family.  My favorite foods in the world all tend to be italian foods – think pizza, lasagna, and hot bread with butter or balsamic.  So, for me being gluten free (or reduced) and then to go to an Italian restaurant and not be able to REALLY enjoy my meal is like a slow version of torture.  Nothing like telling you that you are eating gluten free for sixty days, and then heading out to the local Italian restaurant!  I might as well put you in a house of bread!

But there are a few things that you can do to be able to enjoy a fabulous (and tasty meal) at your favorite Italian restaurant and still meet your weight loss goals.

  1. Italian restaurants typically have great seafood!  Grilled, broiled, or sauteed shrimp or scallops (just make sure it’s not butter covered shrimp scampi) with veggies is a great option.  And if they happen to have broiled or boiled lobster or crab legs with lemon juice – you really have some great main dish options without breaking the “rules” at all!
  2. Or any type of non-breaded chicken with sauces on the side (or without them at all).  Many nice restaurants will custom make dishes for you, so you can ask that your chicken be drizzled with balsamic or lemon juice for some extra flavor with out the calories and guilt!
  3. Order steamed veggies.  Again, this will provide a great complement to your meal without the extra calories and will help you feel full longer.
  4. Order a huge leafy salad with some protein.  Seared ahi, salmon, boneless chicken breast!  Ask for some olive oil and balsamic and dress it yourself!
  5. Carmel Valley San Diego Community | Amy Mewborn | Minestrone SoupMinestrone or some type of vegetable soup!  It will be filling and will help keep you from overeating.
Remember, weight loss is about sustainable lifestyle changes, not just a two week crash diet.  So, plan ahead.  Look at the menu.  Find one or two things that you might get excited about and be prepared when you go into the restaurant!  And ask them to not deliver the bread basket if possible.  You’ll find that if it isn’t sitting on your table, you probably won’t even really miss it!

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Carmel Valley San Diego Community | Amy MewbornOriginally from the Midwest, Amy moved to San Diego in 2001. A graduate of Valparaiso University, Amy had been a Financial Advisor since 1997. When Amy began taking Pilates with her neighbor Wendy, in 2006, she fell in love with the method and benefits of the program and knew she wanted to help others achieve their fitness goals. It was not until Amy took her first barre class that she discovered her true passion for fitness. She loved the challenge and energy of each class. And more importantly, she was excited by the results as her body became more toned than through any other workout routine she had tried in the past. Amy would be one of the best testimonials for Fit in 60 Pilates and Barre. In less than a month’s time, attending 4-5 classes a week, Amy went from a size 10/12 to a size 6. She came home one day and told her husband, Mike that “if every girl knew this, every girl would do it.” Amy is passionate about getting to know her clients and provide modifications and corrections to challenge every client, while making classes as safe as possible. Amy lives in Carlsbad with her husband, Mike, and her dog Emma. She loves what she does, and is thrilled to present the Fit in 60 workout to Carlsbad and Carmel Valley and is eager to help women look and feel great!

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