Dining Out: A Time to Savor, Not Stress
I was recently at a restaurant, craving something cold and refreshing, so I ordered a seafood salad. When the plate arrived, it was huge! At first, I felt that familiar pressure to eat everything, but I paused and reminded myself that I didn’t have to. Instead, I enjoyed what I wanted, shared some with my husband, and left the rest on the plate. I left feeling satisfied, having had an amazing dining experience, without overeating or feeling uncomfortable.
Moments like these remind me that dining out doesn’t have to be about guilt or rules—it’s about enjoying the experience and the food in a way that feels good for you.
Order What You Want, Not What You Think You "Should"
When you sit down to look at the menu, it’s tempting to let “should” sneak into your decision-making. I should order the salad. I should pick the healthiest thing on the menu. But here’s the truth: You don’t owe anyone your healthiest choice. Eating out is an opportunity to enjoy something you genuinely want. Maybe that’s the pasta you’ve been craving, a dish you’d never attempt at home, or yes, even the salad—but only if it’s because you want it, not because you think you should.
It’s Okay Just to Have an Appetizer
Sometimes, you’re just not all that hungry. That doesn’t mean you have to skip the restaurant experience or order something to “keep up.” If an appetizer is all you need to feel satisfied and enjoy the outing, go for it! A small plate can be just as delightful, and there’s no need to explain your choice to anyone. You’re not obligated to eat more just because you’re dining out.
Leftovers Are a Gift
There’s often an unspoken expectation to clean your plate at a restaurant, but eating everything just because it’s in front of you doesn’t have to be the norm. If you’re full, stop. Feeling uncomfortable and “stuffed” is never pleasant. This isn’t “wasting food”—it’s respecting your body’s cues. Plus, the leftovers are amazing! You get to relive the experience the next day, savoring that meal all over again.
Focus on What Feels Good to You
At the end of the day, dining out is your experience. It’s not about pleasing the people you’re with, meeting someone else’s expectations, or sticking to arbitrary rules about what’s “right” to eat. It’s about what makes you feel good—whether that’s trying a new dish, savoring a smaller portion, or bringing home half your plate for later.
You deserve to enjoy dining out on your own terms. So, take a deep breath, scan the menu, and order what feels right for you. Because the best meal isn’t the one someone else thinks you should have—it’s the one you truly enjoy.
