One of the most difficult times of the week for staying on track with clean eating is the weekend. So I wanted to provide you all with my top 10 tips for eating out over the weekend!

Plan Ahead: Before I go to a restaurant I always pull up the menu online and know exactly what I will order. This keeps me from being influenced by what other people order, swayed by some of the less healthy options when I am hungry, and ensures I know that healthy options exist before entering the restaurant.
Remember that you don’t have to eat it all! Restaurant portions are often double what we should be eating. David and I usually share a meal when we go out but if your husband wants to eat his own meal don’t be afraid to request half your meal be boxed prior to them serving you your meal.
Start small and green. Start all your meals with a salad and make sure that it is topped with a low calorie dressing, use a spritz of lemon or balsamic vinegar.
Broth is Best: When there is no salad try a broth based soup to start your meal with. Avoid any soups with heavy creams!
No bread please. Remember that this is a filler and will only hurt your weight loss goal. Save your calories for the more satisfying items.
Clean Cooking techniques rock! Look for entree options featuring steamed or raw veggies and grilled, baked or roasted meats or fish. If they aren’t listed, ask the server to prepare it that way.
Zero Tolerance. You want to avoid alcohol because sugar can derail you in the most powerful way. Have sparkling water with lemon or lime slices.
No Desserts: Think of your plan to shed those pounds, if you can’t resist something sweet ask for a dish of fresh fruit.
Pre-Eat: If you doubt your ability to resist restaurant offerings then pre-eat! Then when you go to a restaurant or social event you don’t have to worry about what’s on the menu and you can focus on socializing and eating your salad or small appetizer.
Surrond Yourself with your Supporters: Surround yourself with family and friends that support what you are doing and are not sabotaging your efforts. They will most likely order healthier with you and support your positive decisions!

I know that it isn’t easy but it is worth it. When I am doing more strict eating plans such as the 21 day fix I stay away from restaurants and focus on inviting people to my house for dinners, hiking with friends, or going to a yoga class. There are lots of ways to stay social on the weekends without going to a restaurant!