An Atkins Diet Weight Loss Challenge: Eating Out

Many people following the Atkin's diet initially get nervous about going out to eat, since you can't count the carbs that may be in the food (but want to continue or maintain your weight loss). However, since eating out is a regular part of many people's lives, you must learn how to do so without jeopardizing your weight loss plan. The following scenarios will provide you with tips on how to stay within your Atkins diet carbohydrate parameters when you're not at home.

Atkins Diet At Work

Do not partake in the coffee cart goodies or the doughnuts or bagels readily available in the break room (they will seriously stall your weight loss!). Make sure to eat a good breakfast before coming to work so that these aromatic sweets can't tempt you and jeopardize your weight loss. Scope out the food served in the cafeteria-if its nutritional value isn't suitable for the Atkins diet, don't eat it. Start packing your lunch, and include a few snacks to help you make it through the day.

Atkins Diet At Restaurants

If you're going for fast food, your best choice to keep your weight loss diet is a burger or sandwich without the bun. Chicken strips might seem like a good weight loss choice, but all of it is breaded, so you can't be sure of the carb content. Remember that condiments like ketchup and thousand island dressing contain sugar, and so do not fit in the Atkins diet.

If you're going to a sit-down establishment, you will usually have much more to choose from. Most main entrees will be suitable for the Atkins diet, and you can tailor your order to stay within your weight loss diet. Most places serve meals with a carbohydrate-based side (french fries, mashed potatoes, rice), and you can easily ask to substitute that side with steamed vegetables to protect your weight loss. Don't eat the bread sitting on the table-if you're really hungry before you go, have a little snack (that's included in the Atkins diet) so you can resist the bread while you're waiting for your meal. The waiter won't mind that you're making a special order-enough people have heard of or tried a carb-controlled diet or weight loss plan (especially the Atkins diet) that these alterations are made on a regular basis. Make your meal choices carefully and remember what you've learned from the Atkins diet about certain foods and how they affect your weight loss-don't be afraid to ask the waiter if breading or flour is used in a dish you're considering. Finally, fill up on dinner-if you're satisfied you won't be tempted by the dessert menu (which would wreak havoc on your weight loss).

Atkins Diet At Parties

Dinner parties can be a real challenge to those on a weight loss plan since the menu is usually controlled by the host. Be prepared for the instance that nothing they serve will be suitable for the Adkins diet. You can contact the host ahead of time and ask what they're serving. If possible, you can let them know that you're on the Atkins diet, but if you're not comfortable doing that, and they're going to serve carb-laden food (a no-no for weight loss), just eat before you go (and eat enough so that you won't be tempted by goodies at the party).

Atkins Diet While Traveling

Airline food is, for the most part, not a good choice if you're following the Adkins diet and weight loss plan. You can contact the airline about the meal choices, and let them know that your doctor (Dr. Atkins!) has prescribed a low-carb diet or weight loss plan. If they don't have any alternatives, bring your own food. Make sure to bring enough if you have a longer flight so you're not tempted by what the airline is serving (surely it would not be conducive to weight loss).