Restaurant Eating

laurenorio

Does anyone have any advice on how or where to go out to eat? I feel like one meal is 1000 calories and that is almost my whole day. Thanks

gothchiq

Places that don't mind doing substitutions, such as giving you broccoli rather than french fries, and that will put dressings on the side and such, are what you need.

Trish1c

Cut your portion in half & immediately put it in a to go box

Eat an appetizer not a dinner

cross2bear

You can order a couple of lower calorie apps instead of an entree. You can look up the majority of chain restaurants nutritional info on line and make your choices before you go. You can immediately upon receiving your meal, divide it and ask for a take away box, making two meals out of one, thus halving the calories. You can share a big entree. Forego the bread/rolls/chips/stuff that a lot of restaurants automatically bring to the table while you await your meal. Just say no thanks. Avoid breaded or fried foods - look for the words grilled or baked - chances are the cooking method has reduced the calories. Avoid cheesy things, as you really dont know how much cheese has been used, and cheese is very calorie dense. Skip dessert. Watch alcohol intake - those drinks have calories! Pick meat options that are leaner, such as chicken, fish and leaner cuts of beef (prime rib, although amazing, is simply too fatty for me to select anymore). Creamy foods (like al fredo) are calorie bombs, so eat in moderation.

Maybe some of these ideas will help.............

laurenorio

These are all great ideas thank you so much guys I love the to go box idea then I could eat the rest for dinner and still make my calories

CasperNaegle

it can be difficult. Don't be afraid to ask them to cook without butter or oils. i like the idea of cutting things in half. Share with someone, etc.

morocj

You can't go wrong with lean proteins & veggies! I second what Casper said in asking them to cook without butter or oil enjoy your dinner!

Sabine_Stroehm

It depends on your preferences.

I agree with the above: protein and veg. Sauces and what not on the side.
We tend to not go to chain restaurants so protein and veg is my friend.
We ate lunch out today. I pondered between:
salmon caesar (dressing on the side, extra anchovies, no croutons)
plank grilled salmon with two sides (broccoli and broccoli)
and
6 ounce sirloin with two sides (you guessed it, broccoli and broccoli!)
Today I went with that.

If you go to chain restaurants, use MFP to help you decide.

If you go to fern bars like Chilies, Applebees, Cheddars etc. you can use their "lighter" menu.

I also think it behooves ALL OF US to use the MFP feature of requesting the menu/nutrition info from restaurants.
Chains are the only ones required to post that stuff now, later everyone will be (yay).
But in the meantime, asking restaurants to "cooperate" with MFP is good!

JenniferNoll

I find that most restaurants are perfectly willing to grill me a piece of chicken or fish with very little oil and to serve it with a salad. I find that vinaigrette is the "safest" dressing with any taste to it at all. If you couch it in terms of a health requirement, and smile and ask politely, they are happy to accommodate you.

RodaRose

Find a restaurant that fits into your calorie budget. I have one near me that has small steak, steamed broccoli, and tossed salad (I get no salad dressing).