From Leftovers to Pre-Packs: How I Avoid Overeating in Restaurants

My Story

Dining out is a joy, but big portions often lead to overeating. My shift from leftovers to 'Pre-Packs' lets me enjoy meals without overeating. Here’s how this small change made a big difference.

I love a tasty prime rib sandwich from a local grill for lunch occasionally. Yet, with fries, the meal's calories shoot up, way beyond my daily need. The 'Pre-Pack' idea came wanting to share this tasty meal with my teenage son back home.

Now, instead of confronting a mountain of food, I make a proactive request to have half of the sandwich packed to-go before I start eating. This simple act of foresight shifted the balance from mindless overeating to mindful dining. The minor inconvenience of reopening the packed portion, after I have eaten enough, stops me from overindulging.

Restaurants lure us into ordering big portions, boosting their sales but leading us to overeat. The 'Pre-Pack' method is a shield against this, helping us control our portions. Besides, you get to save a meal for yourself or someone else.

As you eat out this weekend, try the pre-pack approach. This subtle change can make a meaningful difference in one aspect of our nutrition where we are the most vulnerable - eating out.

Photo by Tim Hüfner on Unsplash