Kim's Golden Rules for Dining Out (Without the Guilt)

One of the first questions I get from new clients is usually about eating out 🤔. There is a real fear that one meal in a restaurant is going to undo weeks of hard work. I see women declining invitations to birthdays or sitting there with a black coffee while everyone else eats.

That is not a lifestyle. That is a prison.

I built TNYM on the belief that you do not need to pause your social life to get results. In fact, if you cannot enjoy a meal with your friends or family, you are never going to stick to the plan long term 🙅‍♀️

Here is how I go through menus to stay on track without being the person who brings Tupperware to dinner.

Rule 1 is Check the Menu Before You Arrive

This is my secret weapon 🤫. Most anxiety comes from opening a menu when you are already hungry and feeling overwhelmed by choices. You end up panic ordering something you didn't really want.

I always look online beforehand. I pick what I am going to have before I even step foot in the restaurant. It means I can sit down, order confidently, and focus on the conversation rather than stressing about calories.

Rule 2 is Prioritise Protein 🍗

You have heard me say it a thousand times, but protein is key. It keeps you fuller for longer and helps with that metabolic restoration we focus on 🔥

When I look at a menu, I look for the protein source first. Is there a grilled chicken dish? A nice piece of steak? A fish option? Once I have found the protein, I build the meal around that. If I order a pasta dish, I make sure it has a decent amount of meat or fish in it rather than just a creamy sauce.

Rule 3 is Don't Drink Your Calories 🍹

It is very easy to consume hundreds of calories in sugary cocktails before the starter even arrives. I am not saying you cannot have a drink. You know I enjoy a glass of wine.

But be mindful. I usually stick to a gin and slimline tonic or a glass of wine or prosecco. I try to avoid the heavy, syrupy cocktails that are basically desserts in a glass. And I always have a glass of water on the table to keep hydrated.

Rule 4 is Vegetables are Your Best Friend 🥗

Restaurant portions can be huge, but often they are heavy on the carbs and light on the nutrients. I often ask for a side of seasonal vegetables or a side salad instead of chips.

Or, I will order the chips if I really want them, but I will make sure I order a side of greens too. It fills up the plate, adds volume to your stomach, and stops you feeling sluggish afterwards.

Rule 5 is The 80/20 Mindset ✨

This is the most important rule.

If you go out and have a three course meal and a bottle of wine, do not beat yourself up. Do not wake up the next morning and punish yourself with hours of cardio 🏃‍♀️.

One meal does not make you gain weight, just like one 🥗 does not make you lose it.

Enjoy the food. Enjoy the company. Make memories. Then just get back to your normal routine the next morning.

The goal is to build a body you are proud of while living a life you love. You can absolutely do both.

Exercise Smarter. Feel Better. Live Healthier. 💖