Shani's dos and don'ts for Restaurant Week

We know all the foodies are excited for the start of this year's Restaurant Week. Some of you might have even made your reservations already (no judgement), while others are gearing up for the last-minute rush. For those who are concerned about kick-starting the journey towards a voluptuous winter body, our Restaurant Week ambassador, fitness guru Shani McGraham-Shirley, has got you covered.

Here are some dos and don'ts to avoid pulling that belt buckle at the dining table this Restaurant Week.

DOS

1 Do park at the furthest end of the parking lot. Add extra steps to burn just a few more calories.

2 Do 15 squats before you sit. And every time you get up, squat 15 times to sit back down. Who cares that persons will give you a strange look? Your butt will thank you later.

3 Drink a glass of water before your meal.

4 Indulge in protein and cut back on the carbs and overload on vegetables (ask for dressing on the side).

5 Choose complex carbs over processed/refined. For example, mashed sweet potato versus white rice.

6 Share your dessert with your dinner date! Share the love and share the calories; your mother taught you that sharing is caring.

7 Pace yourself, have smaller portions. Start with a soup, move to a salad, then your entrÈe. By the time dessert comes, you'll be happy to share.

DONT'S

1 Don't limit yourself. Put the work in, and enjoy your night out. Make sure you train hard that day, and reward yourself. You train to LIVE, not to starve and deprive yourself.

2 Don't overindulge, gluttony is a sin! NO overeating. There is no need to eat 'till yuh buss'. Moderation is key.

3 Don't eat too late, and if you do, ensure you plan to stay up late.

4 Don't order everything fried, baked is an option, too.

5 Don't starve yourself all day before going to dinner - never allow yourself to be too hungry before going out.

6 Don't complain about the food and then ask to exchange it; you never know what will happen before your 'new order' is brought back out.

7 Don't be a cheap tipper.

Shani's expectations for this Restaurant Week are simple. She is looking forward to great food, amazing choices, and mind-blowing orgasmic flavours. "Let me not leave out impeccable service. For some reason, food tastes better with great service. I'm a foodie, I love to eat and live to eat," said Shani. Shani's taste buds know when something tastes bland or blissful. She is looking forward to being wowed. "I will be dining at select restaurants and expect them to pull out all the stops. I'm a stickler for meats cooked at the correct temperature. I have a pet peeve with overcooked dry meats. I'm so ready to be blown away," she said.

latara.boodie@gleanerjm.com