We love eating out. But beware of the “before” and “afters.” Just last week, my husband and I were on date night and I asked the server not to bring the cheesy biscuits. The server—sorry, “seafood specialist”–said, “Really? Nobody ever turns away the cheesy biscuits.”

A look around the restaurant and I knew she was right. I knew the thinking pattern—I was there. Every meal out required “before” and “afters” and if there weren’t any, I felt robbed! That helped slab on about 85 extra pounds to my thighs. Eating out is entertainment, but the health issues that accompany obesity are not entertaining at all. Focus on the people you are with or just not having to cook that meal as the entertaining part.

Make caring about yourself and your friends the celebration, not the “before” and “afters.”