The top 5 tips when entertaining clients for work

04 Jun The top 5 tips when entertaining clients for work

For a lot of us, entertaining clients or co-workers is part of the job or something you either on a regular basis or do now and then.

It can be stressful, boring, fun or exciting but whatever way you look at it, it can also also be an all too easy way to take your healthy routine off track. So here are my top 5 personal and practical ways to keep healthy when entertaining for work.

1. Exercise first thing

If you know you have a big business lunch or dinner to attend, make sure you get your exercise in beforehand. Hit the gym first thing or go for an early morning run or bike ride. Do a power walk or yoga class at lunch time. Just make sure you get your training in beforehand so you won’t feel guilty about missing your exercise.

2. You choose the venue

Volunteer to organise the lunch or dinner, that way you can choose the venue. Look at a café or restaurant that serves a healthier range of options than a greasy spoon place.

You could even ask the manager to put together a special menu for your event which includes low fat meals and skips the fatty dishes.

3. Look at the menu before you turn up

Pretty much all cafes, pubs, restaurants and eateries have a web site now so have a look at their menu beforehand. Decide beforehand what dishes are the best ones to minimise stacking on the pounds.

When you get there, don’t be afraid to ask healthier substitutions. Ask for meat or fish to be grilled not fried, ask for veggies and salads instead of chips, ask for dressing and sauces on the side – most places you find are happy to oblige as it means more satisfied customers which means more repeat business for them.

4. Look at different ways to entertain

Instead of going out for a boozy lunch or heavy dinner, what about a round of golf? Or how about some ten pin bowling or a game of tennis? Lawn bowls can be fun or maybe a competitive game of squash.

Think of ways to keep you moving and active while you entertain – doing something different will also mean you will make a greater impression with the client.

5. Order one dish at a time

It is tempting to order up big when you are not paying for the meals and drinks but don’t go crazy – order one dish at a time, finish that before you order more, and make sure you have a water for every alcoholic drink.

And at the end of the meal, if there is a heap of food left over, to resist the temptation to keep eating just because it is there in front of you, ask the waitress to remove it from the table or better yet, ask for the leftovers to be put in some containers to take away and have for lunch the next day.