I'm new to weight loss, eating out is a calorie nightmare!

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Replies

  • kellymiller23
    kellymiller23 Posts: 16
    Sometimes salads are just as many calories, if not MORE calories than burger and fries. So be careful there.

    This is true! Restaurant salads can be packed with calories and fat, even with the dressing on the side. Most restaurants have some type of chicken breast entrée, and that is usually what I will order, with vegetables.
  • admegamo
    admegamo Posts: 175 Member
    I definitely know how you feel. My highest weight was 351lbs. Although it's not good to not eat to save calories for one big meal, so if I knew where I was going to eat I would plug in what I knew I would have there and then plan the rest of my meals and snacks accordingly. Sometimes, when I have a little extra time on my hands, I will go through my favorite restaurants and my favorite foods there and make notes on the calories and fat. Then I see if there are any yummy but satisfying alternatives or how I can change it so that it's less calories.

    Really, I think it's important to decide how important that particular food at each restaurant is to you. If it's a must have, you will find a way. Just be sure not to starve your self all day just to have it. I think everyone here has good ideas that have worked for them. One (maybe more) people above said it gets easier. I think it does too, though sometimes I want to just get my old usuals and scarf them down.
  • MissKitty9
    MissKitty9 Posts: 224 Member
    Don't eat out so often? And if you do, don't eat all of what you order. I understand not wanting to order the light option---if I'm out, I definitely don't want to be crunching on some leaves while everybody else is enjoying themselves. But you should still be mindful...like someone else suggested, get a lighter sauce (marinara rather than cream-based sauces) & make sure to take home at least half. Stay away from appetizers, limit your drinks, & don't get dessert. Eating out really shouldn't set you back as much as you're saying it does.
  • jweluv
    jweluv Posts: 10 Member
    I don't eat out very often, but when I do I allow myself to splurge slightly. Basically I pick what I want beforehand and then input it into my phone app. Then I use the complete my entry and make sure it says I won't gain weight. This allows me to eat what I want, but not go completely crazy like I did before. I also still eat breakfast and lunch but really small portions. Last but not least I stuff myself on carrots before I go. That way by the time I eat I'm not very hungry. I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey.
  • yuliyax
    yuliyax Posts: 288
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    Hope this helps :)
  • wachmonster
    wachmonster Posts: 26 Member
    I find the only way that works is avoidance. I do the whole work out and save up Cals trick, and I end up putting myself in a small area full of aroma when I'm Cal deficient and extremely hungry. That's asking for failure. I have never tried the box up front idea. What happens generally is I eat half the meal. In the time I'm waiting for a server to give me the box option, I decide to just finish the meal. Nice suggestion though.
  • flawlezzlyimperfect
    flawlezzlyimperfect Posts: 6
    Same here! Also i've founds that great salad i thought was sooooo healthy was not the best option . Try veggies, grilled, baked, avoid sauces. Also if I mess up during the day I will avoid a meal later or if i know i will eat out i will eat less during the day
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    It gets easier, I promise! I used to avoid eating out all together, but found out that some restaurants post the calories for each item/meal. there are plenty of delicious meals that won't ruin your progress. As for the dessert thing..it's really just a matter of how much self control you have or how badly you want to change. At the end of the day you can be PROUD of yourself and say, "I made the right decision saying no to dessert tonight, and i feel great!"

    The little things add up. Good luck! :)

    This. I would also add that you can "bank" calories by eating lighter for the rest of the day, and/or working out a bit heavier/longer.
  • churchchipmunk
    churchchipmunk Posts: 83 Member
    Please don't be embarrassed! I stuggle with this very same thing! But, I can assure you that being on MFP has helped me tremendously. Now when I go out to eat...no matter my intentions, I always check the calories first and then make the best decision I can. It helps me stay accountable and the friends I've made here are a tremendous encouragement which motivates me beyond words!

    You can do this and we are all here to help support you!!!!!
  • ecmorales
    ecmorales Posts: 33 Member
    Cheers! It sounds like you're on the right track -- you're right thinking! Here's some good news for you...stick to your plan and like you said you don't need to tell everyone what you're up to....before you know it you will be an inspiration to those around you! I can't even keep track now of the ripple effect created by my weight loss activities -- so many people have joined to gym, started hiking, watching their calories - it's increible. You're doing a great thing for yourself, keep your focus -- and order what's right for you. I go for the simple dishes that I can easily modify by leaving off dressings and cheese. Also, if Ii can avoid beef (chicken sandwiches instead of burgers), that's a huge calories savings. These few things are the big calorie demons. When it comes to desserts, it's amazing how satisfying a hot cup of coffee can be, especially when enjoyed knowing that I'm sipping my way to slimness while those around me are drowning themselves in calories that would take hours or days to exercise off -- yum yum for a good cup of black coffee with Equal!
  • Cyclingbonnie
    Cyclingbonnie Posts: 413 Member
    I eat out often and not always at the places you would think. Most places are actually easy to work with. Here are my rules for eating out.

    1. Stay away from fried foods for the most part.

    2. When having salads always tell them, no croutons, no cheese and no bacon and please, dressing on the side.

    3. Do not have salads in place of the meal, you will get hungry later and then blow whatever you achieved.

    4. Under no circumstance should you feel obligated to explain your food choices.

    5. On those days you choose to have something less than healthy (i.e. fries or sugary dessert) ... don't eat all of it. It is the taste and not the abundance you were craving a little goes a long way.

    6. Do not at anytime place foods on the off limits list. Deprivation breeds failure. I have lists ... there is the list of first choices, occasional choices, and once ever six months choices. But everything is allowed, just limit the amounts and how often.

    7. Log every bite.

    8. Log all exercise.

    9. Remember this is a marathon and not a sprint.

    10. Enjoy life.
  • krisjohnson121
    krisjohnson121 Posts: 87 Member
    I know that it can be hard to tell people that you are trying to lose weight - but you may be surprised by their reaction.

    I started MFP about a month ago. About a week in my mother in law came to visit. I never specifically told her what I was doing but she was here for about a week so she saw me working out and eating healthier, etc. Last weekend we went to her house for my niece's birthday day. Usually this is hard - diet wise - as my mother in law is not the healthiest cook and will get offended when you turn down food but because she knew I was eating healthier she went out of her way to offer salads with dinner and let me know some healthy food options that she had outside of what she was serving for the other guests. Then when cake cutting starting I just got a cup of coffee and sat at the table with everyone and there was no awkward moment.

    People may surprise you. You are embarking on a new healthy lifestyle you should be proud not ashamed - Good Luck!
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,628 Member
    Some great suggestions here !

    I exercise each day, and if eating a lot of "carby stuff" then I exercise even more. Yesterday morning I did 10 miles at the gym ...... later had 2 slices of pizza for dinner ...... then went for a 3 mile walk with my daughter ....... so, I am feeling NO guilt about that pizza !

    Enjoy your adventure :drinker:
  • msjames1999
    msjames1999 Posts: 528 Member
    It is easier for me not to eat out and if I do, I just get a salad.
  • geekette411
    geekette411 Posts: 154 Member
    Most decent restaurants have usually have some sort of grilled seafood that is a fairly decent choice healthwise. Order it with steamed veggies instead of potatoes and you have yourself a pretty good lower calorie meal.
  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,854 Member
    I have been really shocked at the number of calories in a wide range of foods that I wasn't aware of before...
    You're off to a good start. If you're not shocked when you start, you aren't doing it right! I was amazed at first and I've been on maintenance for a year.

    The hardest part in restaurants for me is putting up with comments from other people about what I order - or should I say what I don't order. I just had to develop thick skin.
  • tessiebear40
    tessiebear40 Posts: 39 Member
    I was invited to a BBQ last Tuesday as the sun finally arrived in Ireland (very rare) ha. I brought non alcoholic sangria to the BBQ and I ate a sheek kebab and a sausage with 1 potato and loaded my plate with salad which had no dressing and a tablespoon of homemade coleslaw. I was dreading it and I had a great time and I was full too. On the weekend I went for a burger, no bun with salad and gherkins. Very tasty. I still like my wine though :wink: Best of luck
  • ileitch
    ileitch Posts: 99
    Someone suggested eliminating anything white. But I would miss my wife! :smile:
    Adding some exercise every day solves a lot of problems. When I don't, I find it pretty tough to stay below my calorie goal. When I do, it's a snap. Mostly, just keep at it. Good luck.
  • ttippie2000
    ttippie2000 Posts: 412 Member
    PLAN AHEAD - On a day that I know I'm going to go out, I have a really healthy breakfast and dinner and I make sure I workout.

    PLAN AHEAD SOME MORE - If I know where we're going (or will likely go), I look up some options on the online menu. Easier to stick with it if it's in my head all day.

    TAKE HALF OF IT TO GO - If I happen to order something big and delicious, I get a to-go box right away and split it up in two. Lunch for tomorrow, yo. :)

    HOW IT'S PREPARED - I try to choose items that are grilled, steamed, poached, broiled. Stay away from fried if you're worried about cooking oils. And watch out for sauces (i.e. Marinara vs Alfredo)

    SO MUCH SALT - Restaurants tend to serve dishes with a LOT of sodium. For breakfast and lunch, try to choose foods with plenty of potassium and drink plenty of water.

    WATER, WATER, WATER - Try to stick to water. Personally, I don't like to waste my calories on my drink unless it has alcohol in it.

    SPLIT A DESSERT - If you really want a dessert, try to find a buddy who's willing to go in on half.... or take the rest home.

    SALAD DANGER - If you're going to go for a fancy salad, watch out! Toppings and dressings can make a salad just as calorie and sodium filled as one of their regular entrees.

    DON'T WORRY - Even after all this, try to enjoy yourself. One meal won't ruin all of your progress.

    JUST SAY NO - If you're invited to go out often, feel free to say "no" once in a while. My husband works in an office and gets asked out to eat at least 3 times a week. As tempting as it is, he says no and sticks to his packed lunch.

    I think I'm gonna print out this post and put it on my refrigerator. It's all right there. The only thing I would add is a slight change in attitude. Learn to be happy with eating well, and wear like a badge of honor that grilled chicken ceasar (with dressing on the side) when you go out. If anybody asks why: It's because there is no food that feels as good as making weight.
  • SDkitty
    SDkitty Posts: 446 Member
    Most chain restaurants have their menus and nutritional info on their website. I like to look it up ahead of time and add what I'm going to order to MFP so I'm already good to go. And once in a while, I just eat what I want because you have to relax some days. I ate In-N-Out for lunch yesterday and it was totally worth it :blushing: Just not every day LOL
  • MrsDanner78
    MrsDanner78 Posts: 107
    Don't be embarrassed to order food that you know is healthier and better for you! You don't have to say "I'm trying to lose weight" or declare your intention of ordering a salad, even! You can just go ahead and order what you know is the healthier option. If someone questions you about it, all you have to do is say, "I just felt like something a bit lighter today", or you can say that you are working on getting healthier and taking better care of your body. Weight loss doesn't even have to be mentioned at ALL. :)

    As for how to watch calories when you eat out - I've learned to eat a lot of grilled chicken, broccoli, fresh steamed veggies, etc. and to avoid lots of carby things. I have them hold the mashed potatoes and double the steamed broccoli, or when I'm at a burger joint I get the chicken burger instead of the fatty beef burgers. If you're at a pasta or pizza place, a light salad is a great option as long as you don't drench it in fatty, high calorie dressing. I've even gone ahead and gotten the pizza, but instead of a deep dish meat pizza, I've gotten a thin crust veggie pizza - it cut the calories IN HALF! Anyway, if you try, and PLAN AHEAD (total key!), you can eat healthy(ish) pretty much anywhere you are!

    Keep up the good work - and don't let anyone make you feel embarrassed by making your body healthier and happier!!! It's all in the attitude! :D
  • FitCoachShawn
    FitCoachShawn Posts: 230 Member
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    we have challenges, webpage, Facebook like page, ect..
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  • Pinkylee77
    Pinkylee77 Posts: 432 Member
    I have meals picked out for different places. Olive Garden- soup salad and a bread stick, IHOP -smart fit meal, Pizza 2 pieces of cheese, I tend not to eat at all you can eat places. I have eaten a McD's burger and sm fry. The chicken sandwich has more calories. I look up what a place has before I go. It is never a problem. Some days I will exercise more if I ate more than I should have.

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