Weight Watchers Restaurant Guide

Eating out when you're on a diet can be tough. Although Weight Watchers allows you to eat what you like, many restaurants serve giant portions loaded with all sorts of yummy extras, from a dollop of sour cream to fries smothered in cheese and chili. However, there are some tips to help you stick to your Weight Watchers point allotment, as well as some restaurants that are very WW-friendly.

Plan Ahead

Use the phone, the Internet, and some common sense before you ever step foot in a restaurant. Research online to find the menu -- most restaurants will publish this. Some menus even list nutritional information. You can plan out your entire meal beforehand, and knowing what you are going to have helps you avoid temptation. If you have any other questions about the establishment, like whether there will be a basket of rolls on the table or how certain foods are cooked, simply call the restaurant and ask. Doing these things beforehand can save you a lot of stress and worry and will allow you to enjoy your meal more when the time comes.

Customize

A good restaurant will be able to customize your order to your specifications, making it more Weight Watchers-friendly. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want! If you've decided that you want a salad minus the croutons and cheese, and with dressing on the side, tell your waitress exactly that. Ask that your vegetables be cooked without butter, for the chef to hold the "loaded" part of your baked potato, and to substitute veggies or rice for fries.

Box It Up

Restaurant portions are huge, and portion control is an important part of the Weight Watchers plan. That's why it's a good idea to ask for a to-go box before you ever take a bite of your meal. Simply box up half of your meal and put the box where you can't see it. You won't be tempted to overeat and you'll be getting two meals for the price of one.

Weight Watchers Friendly Restaurants

There are certain chain restaurants that are Weight Watchers-friendly. Applebee's menu lists WW Points value for certain dishes. Subway (while more of a fast-food outlet) also lists nutritional information for most of its sandwiches. Chili's posts all its nutritional information online as well, making your choices easier. If you often go to a restaurant that doesn't post its nutritional information online, e-mail the manager or to corporate headquarters and express your frustrations. Some chains are hiding this information for a reason: Outback Steakhouse has a plate of cheese fries that is worth approximately 72 points!