“Eating and Drinking” Night Out with the Girls

Here is the familiar sceniero of  a night out the girls: Meet at the bar for pre-dinner martinis. Sit down at the dinner table. Bread baskets with amazing spreads are placed in front of you. Multiple bottles of wine appear. “Let’s share appetizers”. Way too many apps are ordered. Of course, you have to try a few bites from each dish. You are now into your third drink and order an entree. You aren’t really even that hungry any more, but you get caught up in the atmosphere and order steak au poivre with mashed potatoes (not too dietetic – but who really cares at this point).  Then the desserts arrive… say no more!  Pic is of girls night out (my friends and I) and Dr. Jeff (well known eye surgeon)

 
Potential problems with a night “out with the girls”:
1. Too much alcohol. Alcohol contains empty calories and fuels the appetite.
2. Studies show we eat more in large groups. Yikes!
3. Seeing our friends forget their intentions to watch what they eat can lead us down the same path.
4. Temptation is everywhere … pre-dinner cocktails, wine, bread, multiple appetizers, desserts. Studies have shown that the more variety of foods we have in front of us, the more we will eat. (pic is of another girls night out)

Calories consumed  in typical night out
While an occasional night of overindulging is not a problem, doing this on a regular basis – or even a few times a month – can contribute towards packing on the pounds. Remember that an extra 50 calories consumed a day will lead to a 5 pound weight gain a year!  Keep in mind that the average women needs ~ 1600 calories day to maintain her weight.

So here is the damage:
One martini = 240 calories
3 glasses wine = 360 calories
2 pieces of bread with a spread = 300 calories
Taste of several appetizers = 500 calories ++
Entree = 600-800 calories
Taste of several desserts = 300 calories
Total calories consumed = 2300 calories        
 

Damage control tips for this typical dinner
So obviously a night out with the girls will not be a perfect “diet day”, however with a little planning, you can perform damage control. Suggestions:

1. Skip the predinner martini or cocktail. Arrive a little late so you will miss “cocktail hour” or just order a club soda. (Save at least 200 calories)

2. Bypass the bread. Push the basket away from you and watch your friends dive in. Think about all the calories they – not you – are consuming! (Save at least 200 calories)

3. Put your two cents in about which appetizer you would like. Order something healthy. No need to mention you are watching your weight – just announce that you don’t like “meat” or “cheese” or that fried food or rich sauces upset your stomach. Stick to your grilled shrimp or tuna tartare or mixed green salad. Place the tempting fattening apps far away from you (with the bread) so you will be less tempted to stick your fork in it. (Save at least 200 – 300 calories)

3. Split an entree with a friend. Eat it slow. Try to be the slowest eater at the table. Watch your friends inhale 600 calories in 15 minutes!  (Save 300 calories)

 4. Keep drinking water. This will help you to feel fuller and can lessen a hangover the next day.

5. Dessert …. hmmm… this can be a problem. Check out my previous post on “Can you resist a complimentary dessert?”  for more tips on how to handle this one!  (yes, that is a pic of me showing a lack of willpower in avoiding tasting a dessert!)

So bottom line,  a night out with the girls is one of the enjoyments in life. You can still have a great time and enjoy your girlfriends company without overdoing the booze and food!