Ordering-in While Trying To Lose Weight Or Maintain Weight Loss 

Order and drink two glasses/two cups (if two glasses are too much) every time you open the Swiggy or Zomato app! Don’t order smoothies (unless they are a meal for you) drinks, juices, soft drinks- even if they are free. Only plain water is allowed. Do not scan menus excessively of food apps, (unless you can resist the temptation to over-order). Pick vegetables, some protein and a small portion of grain. Check if grain and veggies are included in the dish, so you don’t over order. The first thing you must order is the vegetables- grilled, tava, sautéd, stir-fried, steamed or baked. Avoid fried food. If the food seems like more than what is recommended for you-pack it away and refrigerate for the next meal or share it with someone needy outside the house, make a note of the portion size from that particular place for future reference. Refocus on other things besides the food in front of you when it arrives. Focus on the people you are with, the ambience, the music, the discussions, make a conscious effort to do this. If you are alone, pray, eat peacefully and enjoy the food without any distractions. No TV or movie or chatting while eating. Nothing is calorie-free- dips, oily chutneys, crisps all count as food. Put your spoon down between every bite. Savour every bite and flavour, don’t rush eating.  Remember that restaurants usually use more oil/butter than one uses at home and you get a lot of energy from this fat. So make sure you reduce your portion sizes when you order in. Avoid eating the freebies that come with the food if any- Sauces, dips, bread rolls, pickles, papads, olives, nuts and crisps or count them into your food intake for that meal. Have a light soup or buttermilk with your meal, so you eat less. Have a general idea about what you plan to eat before you order. Say a prayer of gratitude before you start your meal. Do not order dessert unless you can share with people and you end up with one or two teaspoons. Compensate through the day before a big meal and the next day if required. Eat light in the week if you plan to cheat on one meal a week instead of ordering sensibly throughout the week. Make sure ur meals and snacks earlier during the day and are small. Add an extra walk if you have eaten out. This will help you burn calories   Compensate on the meal before or after. You can't have the best of both worlds. The mantra is  to stick by is a heavy breakfast, medium lunch, early and light dinner.    Don’t order in if you can’t manage the excess food that hits your senses. Who doesn’t like to indulge in eating junk food?    Delete food delivery apps if you feel you might not be able to resist temptation.   Decide how many times a day you will order in. Do not let it be an all-day activity. Imagine how long it would take to make that food and clean up the kitchen if you had to do it yourself.