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6 Ways to Commit to Your Valentine’s Day Dinner Plans

Cocktails + Appetizer + Fancy Entrée + Dessert can easily surpass your Points™ Budget! Although it can be challenging to navigate a restaurant menu, it is possible to take control of your food decisions. With these six dining strategies, you can enjoy your date, eat a delicious meal, and still meet your WW goals.



1. Relax and De-stress. Don't head into dinner with anxiety. You're not depriving yourself. You are simply choosing to make smart decisions about your life and the food you consume. Plus, whether you are out with your partner, your family, or your friends, you're sharing a meal with someone you love.



2. Order What You Want. Proactively scan the menu to create your custom dinner plan. For example, if you want the fish, but know that cream sauce isn’t the best decision, ask for it with the salsa that usually comes on the chicken. The same goes for the available side dishes... If the dish you desire comes with potato au gratin, opt instead for the grilled asparagus. Simply ask your server to switch or make a substitution. Most restaurants are accustomed to preparing dishes to order due to allergies and dietary restrictions, so it shouldn’t be an issue to make a change that suits your healthy lifestyle.



3. Select Wisely. In terms of calories and Points, grilled is usually better than fried; baked is better than braised. Swapping a salad or fruit for the French fries is a definite win.



4. Split and Pack Beforehand. Restaurant meals are often served in generous portions that may be much larger than your normal dinner. If your meal surpasses a single serving, consider asking the wait staff to proactively pre-pack half of it in a to-go container before you even take a bite. This prevents overeating and ensures mindfulness of your total meal consumption. Plus, you’ll have a great dinner the next day too.



5. Don’t Deprive, Make Swaps. Switch the cocktail which can be loaded with sugar to a glass of red wine. Change the creamy salad dressing to lemon juice or vinegar on your salad. Replace the butter or sour cream on your baked potato with a cocktail sauce or chutney.



6. Split, Share, and Save. When dining with your partner, split an appetizer, salad, or dessert. It not only reduces your calories, but it lessens the total bill and seems to add to the romance of the evening.



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