Dining Out The ThriveLife Way

Reading Time: About 4 minutes

Hey Brothers,

Welcome back to the LenDentonThrive Letter. I’m your guide, Len Denton, and my mission is to help busy 50+ Guys (like you and me) build thriving, healthy lifestyles without resorting to crazy diets or grueling workouts. We call this the ThriveLife!

This week, we’re tackling a topic that can be enjoyable but problematic when it comes to our fitness goals - dining out. 

Let’s face it: we Americans really enjoy meals at restaurants with family, friends, and colleagues. According to a study by QSRMagazine.com, a significant majority of American adults (around 64%) eat out at least once a week. And, nearly half see it as an essential part of their lifestyle. If you travel for business, you know firsthand that eating out is often unavoidable.

Guilt-Free Dining Out 

So, if you’re committed to your ThriveLife and working towards a healthier you, you might be wondering: Can I still enjoy restaurants without derailing my progress? 

The good news is a resounding yes! 

You absolutely can. The ThriveLife is all about building a sustainable and enjoyable approach to health. It’s about eating smarter, not just eating less.

However, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls when dining out. One reason we enjoy restaurant meals so much is that professional cooks often make better-tasting meals than we can make at home. They’re experts at their craft, and they often have access to different and perhaps more flavorful ingredients. But, delicious restaurant meals can also come with hidden costs in terms of calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars.

Smarter Dining Out 

As I noted above, one of the key principles of the ThriveLife is to Eat Smarter. When it comes to dining out, this simply means making conscious choices to put food to work for you instead of against you.

So, how do we Eat Smarter when faced with a tempting restaurant menu? One effective strategy is to be aware of what I call "Red Zone Foods". These are the items that are most likely to sabotage your weight loss and health goals. This specifically includes the following six foods:

• Sugar

• White flour

• White rice

• White potatoes

• Corn

• High-fructose corn syrup

The first principle of Eating Smarter is to Exit the Red Zone by avoiding these six unhealthy food items. With some planning and preparation, you can do this at almost every restaurant.

Other common culprits on restaurant menus include heavily fried foods like fried fish or French-fried potatoes, dishes loaded with excessive amounts of pasta or bread, and beverages packed with hidden sugars. Be mindful of desserts, which can often contain more calories than your entire entrée. And let's not forget about the often larger portion sizes served in American restaurants!

Instead, focus on the delicious and healthy options that are available. When selecting your entrée, consider lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish. Look for seafood offerings. When it comes to side dishes, opt for salads (ask for dressing on the side!) or roasted vegetables. Be mindful of your beverage choices. Instead of sugary sodas or calorie-laden cocktails, choose water or unsweetened tea. If you enjoy alcohol, consider a non-alcoholic brew or light beer in moderation.

Remember, the ThriveLife is about building smart daily habits, not engaging in short-term "hustle" or restrictive dieting. It’s about making choices you can maintain over the long term. By dining smarter, you can still enjoy the social aspect of dining out and savor delicious food while staying aligned with your goals.

Take Action

Here are three action steps you can take to dine out the ThriveLife way:

• Scan the menu with intention: Before you even order, take a moment to look over the menu specifically for healthier options. Identify lean protein sources, vegetable-based side dishes, and be aware of those "Red Zone" items. Don't be afraid to ask your server about how dishes are prepared and if modifications are possible.
  

• Prioritize protein and produce: Make the focus of your meal a good source of lean protein and plenty of vegetables. This will help you feel fuller for longer and provide essential nutrients without the excess calories and unhealthy fats.
  

• Practice mindful portions: Be aware of the portion sizes served. Consider eating only part of a large entrée and taking the rest home for later. If you’re having dessert, consider sharing it with someone or opting for a lighter choice.

By implementing these simple strategies, you can confidently enjoy dining out without sabotaging your ThriveLife journey. Remember, it’s about making smarter choices every day and enjoying the process along the way. 

Thrive on!

When you’re ready for a real and sustainable fitness transformation, here are three ways I can help you:

#1 - Sign up for this newsletter. Every week, you’ll receive tested, actionable tips and strategies to help you build your own customized version of the ThriveLife that fits your needs, preferences, and personal style. And, it’s free!

#2 - For a Do-It-Yourself approach to the ThriveLife, download your free copy of my new ebook: 6 Smart Moves To Your ThriveLife. Just click the button below.

#3 - When you’re ready to join a community of other busy 50+ Guys building their ThriveLives together, check out my new ThriveLife Transformation course. The ThriveLife Transformation guides you through a 30-day transformation process which includes online video training and daily support and assistance through our online community. Join alone or bring your friends. To learn more about the ThriveLife Transformation, click the button below.

Do You Know Somebody?

Do you know a 50+ Guy who’s struggling with their weight and fitness?

Please consider sharing this information with them. Just forward your copy of this email to them. Or, give them a free copy of my 6 Smart Moves ebook!

It might change their life!

(And remember, this works for Under-50 Guys, too!)

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