• UCLA Health
  • myUCLAhealth
  • School of Medicine
Bariatrics

UCLA Bariatric Surgery

Bariatrics
  • About Us
    • Our Expert Team
    • Program Overview
    • Patient Stories & Photos
    • Patient Story Videos
    • In The News
    • Publications
    • Clinical Trials
    • Webinars
    • Donate Today
    • Share Your Story Today!
  • Obesity Treatments
    • What is Obesity?
    • Appointment Request
    • Bariatric Surgery
    • Gastric Bypass
    • Gastric Sleeve
    • Gastric Bypass Revision
    • Lap Band Revision
    • Patient Testimonials
    • Video Gallery
    • BMI Calculator
    • Medical Weight Loss Program
    • Patient Information Video
    • Endoscopic Treatment of Weight Regain
    • Anti-Reflux Surgery
  • Gastric Sleeve
    • Gastric Sleeve Introduction
    • Gastric Sleeve Illustrations
    • Gastric Sleeve FAQs
  • Patient Resources
    • How to Get Started
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Patient Information Video
    • Patient Stories & Photos
    • Patient Story Videos
    • Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
    • Safety of Bariatric Surgery
    • Preparing for Surgery Video
    • Support Group
    • BMI Calculator
    • Video Gallery
    • For Post-Op Patients
    • Calendar of Events
    • Share Your Story Today!
  • Nutrition Corner
    • Support Group
    • Nutrition Before Bariatric Surgery
    • Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery
    • Transitioning to Soft Foods
    • Healthy Eating Home
    • Healthy Snack Choices
    • Keep Yourself on Track
    • Dining Out Tips
    • Holiday Eating Tips
    • Shopping List
    • Recipe Collection
    • Dietetic Internship Rotation
  • Contact Us
    • Map and Directions
  • Our Expert Team
  • UCLA Health
  • myUCLAhealth
  • School of Medicine

UCLA Bariatric Surgery

Nutrition Corner

Nutrition Corner

Nutrition Corner

  • Support Group
  • Nutrition Before Bariatric Surgery
  • Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery
  • Transitioning to Soft Foods
  • Healthy Eating Home
  • Healthy Snack Choices
  • Keep Yourself on Track
  • Dining Out Tips
  • Holiday Eating Tips
  • Shopping List
  • Recipe Collection
  • Dietetic Internship Rotation
  • Support Group
  • Nutrition Before Bariatric Surgery
  • Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery
  • Transitioning to Soft Foods
  • Healthy Eating Home
  • Healthy Snack Choices
  • Keep Yourself on Track
  • Dining Out Tips
  • Holiday Eating Tips
  • Shopping List
  • Recipe Collection
  • Dietetic Internship Rotation
  1. Home
  2. Bariatrics
  3. Nutrition Corner
  4. Dining Out Tips

Dining Out Tips

Share this

By Yasmin Firouzman, RD

Summer is here, and for many this is the season when a lot of time will be spent dining out. However, this can be challenging after weight-loss surgery and many people avoid going to restaurants to prevent overeating or eating the wrong foods.

But since dining out is a normal part of life for many, we recommend that you not avoid eating out but instead educate yourself and choose your foods wisely. The following strategies will assist you in making the healthiest food decisions so you can leave the restaurant feeling light and satisfied rather than heavy and guilty.

  • Check the calories of every meal. Most restaurants can provide you with the calorie content of every dish they serve.
  • Ask that bread and butter not be served at your table.
  • Choose a dish with lean protein such as fish, chicken or turkey.
  • Choose a side of complex carbohydrate such as yams or whole wheat pasta, with a side green salad or steamed or grilled vegetables.
  • Ask how the food is prepared and avoid items that are fried, pan-fried or breaded.
  • Choose foods that are baked, broiled, grilled or roasted.
  • Share your main course or request a to-go container with your food and, before you begin eating, portion out your food to approximately: 3 oz protein, ¼ cup complex carbohydrate and ½ cup vegetables. If this portion is too much, eat until you feel satisfied and add the leftovers to your to-go container.
  • Eat slowly and chew your food to a liquid consistency. To help you accomplish this, it is best to set your utensils down between bites.
  • Don't drink with your meals since liquids may push food down and allow you to fit more food in your pouch. It is best to avoid liquids 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after a meal.
  • Prior to choosing the restaurant it is always a good idea to look up the menu and nutrition facts on-line.

I hope that you find these strategies helpful and that you enjoy your next dining-out experience. And remember, it is best to do everything in moderation. Have a great summer!

Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Subscribe to Our Videos on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Connect with Us on LinkedIn Follow us on Pinterest Follow us on Flickr Follow us on Sharecare
  • UCLA Health
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing
  • UCLA Campus
  • Directory
  • Newsroom
  • Publications
  • Giving
  • Careers
  • Volunteer
  • Privacy Practices
  • Nondiscrimination
  • Emergency
  • Smoke-Free
  • Terms of Use
  • 1-800-UCLA-MD1
  • Maps & Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Report Broken Links
  • Sitemap
Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Subscribe to Our Videos on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Connect with Us on LinkedIn Follow us on Pinterest Follow us on Flickr Follow us on Sharecare

Sign in to myUCLAhealth

Forgot USERNAME?
Forgot PASSWORD?
  • Learn more about myUCLAhealth
  • Sign Up for an Account