SOOO last night was my first night OUT. My husband and I met some friends at Olive Garden for dinner and I was a little worried that I might blow my diet on a whole basket of bread sticks with Alfredo sauce. Yum!

But I was very good. I planned what I would eat before we went and started drinking water as soon as we got there. I decided ahead of time that I would splurge and have one glass of red wine. I also took part in the conversation going on around me instead of shoveling food into my mouth like I’m never going to eat again, and you know what? I actually enjoyed my meal, my friends, and got full faster! it’s a miracle.

Yes, what the experts say is true:

IF YOU EAT SLOWLY YOU WILL FILL UP FASTER.

And that means you will consume fewer calories, and that means you will lose weight just by slowing down and actually enjoying your food! As one of my closest friends would say, “Shut the front door!”

The key is to chew, chew, chew. And then chew some more. Aim to chew each bite a minimum of ten times, but try for twenty. Here are a few tips to help you slooow down:

1) Eat one bite at a time. Chew and swallow each bite before gulping down the next.

2) Put down your fork between bites. I promise, no one is going to take it from you.

3) Drink water. It will fill you up and give you something to do besides EAT!

So I’ve learned from this experience that I can still eat out. I just have to plan ahead, enjoy my surroundings, and savor my meal. Hmmm, where to next??