I CAN EAT OUT ON WEIGHT WATCHERS

Hi Everyone,

Because you come to my meetings every week you know that I eat out a lot!!!! I ate out before I joined Weight Watchers, during the weight loss process, and continue to do so now. Almost 21 years at goal and eating out is part of that. I think that eating out is part of all of our lives. The reasons for eating out are endless - no time to cook, I didn't bring lunch with me to work, or the kids have activities.

Strategies for eating out differ depending on the reason why you are eating out in the first place. Asking yourself this question can help - Is this a special occasion or just dinner? The foods we eat will be different depending on why we are eating out . Everyday eating out (which is our focus this week) is about how to eat out on the run.

Knowledge and planning are the key. Check out the Dining Out book to see which fast food restaurant will fit better into your plan - Who's hamburg is less points McDonald's or Burger King? Which sandwich is the best bet at D'Angelos of Quiznos? How many points are in a slice of pizza?

The Complete Food Companion with help you decide what to get at the Italian Restaurant or how about Chinese tonight, or Mexican or Thai????

Armed with information when the you go to a restaurant you can relax and enjoy your meal knowing that you don't have to do the dishes or see the scale go up!!!!!

Try this for dinner some night.

BEEF WITH ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES
makes 4 servings - 3 points per serving

24 asparagus spears cut diagonally into 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup water
10 ounces lean, trimmed, boneless sirloin steak, cut into 1/4 inch strips
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
4 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 large garlic clove, thinly sliced
24 cherry tomatoes, halved

1. Combine the asparagus and water in a skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 2 minutes. Pour off the water.

2. Sprinkle the beef with the salt and pepper; add it to the asparagus along with the scallions and garlic. Saute until the beef is cooked through. Add the tomatoes and saute until heated through, about 2 minutes longer.

See you at the meeting,

Lorraine