Thanks so much for writing! I know exactly what you mean. Dining out continues to be one of my greatest challenges. It’s not easy ordering the grilled chicken entree when your friends are eating burgers and fries. But during the week, I have absolutely no problem eating healthy and working out almost every day.

However, the one thing I have not stopped doing since I started this weight loss journey is going out to restaurants. Eating outside of your home is a part of life, and the world doesn’t stop just because you or I are trying to lose weight, you know? I’m living proof that you CAN go out to eat and still lose weight — I still dine out at least 2-3 times a week, almost always on Friday and Saturday nights. There’s absolutely no reason to give up your social life just because you’re trying to lose weight!

It’s all about balance, as you said. And you will find it! Just try to keep things in perspective. While you don’t want to blow all your hard work over one slice of chocolate cake, if you’ve stayed on track all week and are really, truly craving a treat, then by all means, have it! One dessert isn’t going to erase a week’s worth of weight loss, believe me. Try sharing that dessert with a friend, savoring just a few bites, or swap something that’s usually rich (like ice cream) for something similarly delicious (like sorbet or frozen yogurt). You can always order anything you want off the menu, but feel free to make few adjustments (a turkey burger instead of beef, hold the mayo and bacon on a turkey club, ask for light oil on your entree, etc.) to make it a little healthier.

There’s tons of ways to still go out and have fun, but without feeling guilty for blowing your weight loss efforts. I wrote a blog all about dining out, if you haven’t seen it already: http://thefinalforty.wordpress.com/2010/02/28/surviving-restaurants/

Be sure to subscribe to my blog, if you like, or you can always follow me on Twitter @jenniferlnelson. I’d love to hear from you, and please do keep me posted how you’re doing!

Jennifer