MANAGING RESTAURANTS

Hi Everyone,

Is it realistic to think that we never will eat out because we are doing the Weight Watchers Program? I think not. Knowing how to successfully dine out is a key skill for weight loss and long term maintenance.

In a perfect world we would walk into a restaurant, they would hand us a menu full of healthy foods, made to order, with manageable portions and the points values listed. Since we do not live in that perfect world we need to learn to effectively navigate restaurants to insure our continued weight loss success.

Planning and preparing can be the key to restaurant eating. Ask yourself this question - Is this a special occasion meal (such as a birthday), or is this dinner (Thursday night)? The answer to this question is important to know. Planning can be different in each instance.

We need to ask 0urselves several questions before we enter the restaurant. Will I be using my 35 points - or some of them at this meal? How hungry am I? How can I stretch the points I will use to make sure I am satisfied and full when I leave the restaurant? Should I start with an appetizer ( maybe a broth based soup)? How can set points help me? What filling foods can help me feel full and satisfied?

Checking the Complete Food Companion and Dining Out Books can steer us to the right food choices. Pull out Book 5 Eat Out and On the Run. There are lots of helpful hints and tips in this book.

Restaurant eating is a fun way to socialize, eat wonderful healthy foods and not have to clean up!! With planning and practice we can eat out comfortably and successfully!! See you at the meeting for lots more about eating out.

Lorraine

CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW BARK
Makes 12 servings (1 piece each)
Points Value per serving: 3

8 oz bittersweet chocolate, finest quality recommended
2 tsp butter
3 cups mini marshmallows

1. Line a 9 x 9 inch pan with heavy duty aluminum foil
2. In a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly combined; remove from heat and stir in marshmallows. Scrape chocolate mixture into prepared pan using a silicon spatula; smooth into a somewhat even layer. Refrigerate until chocolate sets, at least 1 hour; keep refrigerated until ready to eat. Cut into 12 pieces and serve.