We are so incredibly lucky today! We are lucky every day, but today especially because Fitness Model Kelsey Byers in in the house!!!!!
If you don’t know Kelsey already, you can go to her Facebook page right now and check her out! She’s a stunning beauty who made her way from 176 back to 135!
Kelsey has an amazing transformation which has now graced the pages of tons of magazine and publications including Oxygen Magazine and Bodybuilding.com! Not only that but she’s finishing up a graduate program, getting in all of her workouts and enjoying her life…. which includes going to dinner with her girlfriends, which is what we’re gonna talk about today…
1. When going out to dinner how do you find healthy choices that fit your lifestyle?
Since hiring my nutritionist, I know that I need a lean protein and complex carb at each meal. I’ve learned how to order healthy. Most restaurants will take your request for “no butter, no oil.”
Learning HOW to order has made a big difference in my life with staying fit and lean. I try not to go out to eat as often because it gets expensive. I like to cook my own meals, that way I know how my food is cooked.
Of course, there will be occasions and social outings, so you just really have to know how to order and be aware of the portion size so you don’t over eat.
2. What are some of your favorite items that you generally choose from when dining out?
Egg white and spinach omelettes, grilled shrimp or chicken with no butter and no oil, steamed vegges and brown rice or corn tortillas. For a healthy fat, I like a couple slices of avocado.For veggies, steamed asparagus or a salad with salsa instead of dressing (or choose a fat free dressing).
I only eat whole wheat bread or pasta. These few things help me keep my nutrition in check!
3. Are there any items you will hands down avoid and if so, how do you do it?
I stay away from ranch dressing and mayo. I just know how much fat they contain and they really aren’t worth the extra pounds on my hips. This coming from a girl who ate ranch dressing on everything in college! Yes, it can be avoided. I also stay away from white cream sauces, regular salad dressings, white breads and pasta.
4. When you dine with your girlfriends do you ever feel pressured to have certain foods like unhealthy appetizers, even if you are splitting them? If so, how do you handle it?
I don’t feel pressured anymore. There was a time that I did, but now I stay away from fried foods and anything with cheese. If I want an appetizer, I order something healthy like ceviche, a salad or shrimp cocktail.
I would encourage them to split something healthy with me. There is no need to feel pressured to ruin your hard work of eating clean. If you meet a long term goal, treat yourself once and then get back on your routine.
Everything in moderation.
5. I personally have a few favorite restaurants that I know have very healthy selections. Do your friends ever try to get you away form those places familiar and if so, does this ever cause you anxiety, and if so, how do you overcome it?
I can usually find something healthy on any menu, so I don’t stress about it. I like to try new places. If I know where we’re going, I look up the menu online ahead of time.
Again, the key is knowing HOW to order and WHAT to order. Nothing fried. Go for grilled, steamed or baked with no butter or oil.
6. If it is an occasion where you may have a cocktail or two, what are your go-to’s?
I love a glass of red wine. I like to have a glass at a wedding, vacation or outing with the girls. I usually limit myself to a glass or two because I don’t want to go into a “sugar coma.”
7. What are the best tips you could give a young woman our age to keep from getting derailed when going out for dinner/ drinks?
I would recommend eating a small meal before you go out, that way you aren’t starving. When I’m starving, I will eat anything. It’s important to eat every 3 hours to keep your metabolism high.
Eat a lean protein and complex carb before you meet them out, then you can have a light meal once it’s time to order. If you are drinking alcohol, I would just order a lean protein and steamed veggies for dinner and skip the complex carb.
8. What do you think the best way would be to get your girlfriends to go from dinner and drinks to joining you on a run or in the weight room would be?
I believe you just have to lead by example. Your results from eating clean and working out should inspire them enough without you having to “push” a certain lifestyle on them.
You could invite them to join you for a weight session or run, but don’t put them on a guilt trip if they decline. Just let them know the invitation is always open!
You can find more from Kelsey here:
www.kelseybyersfitness.com
http://www.facebook.com/fitnessmodelkelseybyers
https://twitter.com/#!/kelseybyersfit
https://www.instagram.com/kelseybyersfit/
Your Coach,
Kyra
P.S. Check out our podcast interview here:
https://kyrawilliamsfitness.com/kyra-williams-fitness-podcast-with-fitness-model-kelsey-byers/