We’ve all been there, and hopefully will be again. You’ve made the dinner date, sparks are in the air…and here comes the panic. Who will pick the restaurant? What if you pick a restaurant too pricey, or worse… too low-end? Who is paying? What will you wear? All good questions, but the big question will be…what to order? Are you doing just apps? Might you share? Is it appropriate to order the most expensive item on the menu? If love is in the air, these small decisions will lose their power. Valentine’s day is around the corner. Get prepared.
Here are a few tips to order smart on a first date:
- Avoid the need for breath fresheners: One mint after dinner makes sense, but you don’t need to continually pop the mints for part 2 of your evening. Stay away from spicy foods, especially those loaded with garlic and onions. Consider mint tea vs. coffee during dessert.
- Avoid the need for gas-x: We all know what makes us bloated. Don’t risk it. Follow your gut (literally). Save the beans, cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, and mushrooms for your healthy lunch with mom.
- Avoid the mess: Don’t choose spaghetti or linguini when you can easily go for shorter, more manageable noodles (before you canoodle), such as rigatoni or bow ties. Stay away from chicken wings. You don’t need orange fingertips as well as fierce breath. Think twice about the lobster. Too much work with too much risk. Don’t cover up your new sexy shirt with that mood-killing plastic bib. Grilled Tilapia may be your better bet.
- Avoid the need for floss: Unless you carry dental floss in your back pocket, beware of popcorn, corn on the cob, seaweed, spinach and poppy seeds (assuming you made it to breakfast the following morning).
Bottom line: Order a simple, neat, healthy dish such as tofu, grilled chicken or fish, quinoa, brown rice, non-gas forming vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, endive, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini and/or green beans. Know yourself and choose wisely. Have fun!
- How to Eat Healthy during the Holiday Season - December 2, 2014
- What is the Best Way to Lose Weight? - April 16, 2014
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Dining while Dating - January 15, 2014
