Eating Out

JoRocka

Thought this thread was about something else.

Nevermind. Carry on.

walks in...

looks around- sees food.

not what I thought.

sad.


steak isn't' a steak if it isn't double digits in ounces. 8 oz barely counts as anything.

cebreisch

I try to make the best choices I can with the circumstances....Realize that I'm out, and no, I'm not in control of how they make their foods. At the same time, we all know grilled or baked is better than fried, veggies are better than starches like bread or starchy veggie, etc. etc.

My "usual standby" in most restaurants is a 6 oz. sirloin, or some sort of chicken (Sierra Chicken at Longhorn Steakhouse is really good!). Then I'll either get green beans, or a side salad with some sort of Italian or balsamic vinag. dressing...it's thinner and can usually go a longer way than something think like ranch....although on occasion I just gotta have ranch!).

Sometimes the bread at Outback is just too irresistible....if I order a burger, I'll get it without the bun so I can have some of the bread.

It's all about making wiser choices you can live with and not feel deprived.

spunk_master_flex

8 oz is an appetizer.

I truly love eating out... I won't give it up.

I do prefer a larger piece of meat, though... bloody and rare preferred.

This is coming in handy today...giggity

He hasn't even gotten to the salad yet.

I do love a nice tossed salad when I eat out.

GEMMA_2014

I have a rule that works for me. I eat 1/2 of what they serve. I take the other half home and measure and weigh it and use it as a snack if there is not too many calories or a meal if the calories fit into the meal category. I simply ask them when I order the food to divide it in half and put 1/2 in a take out box. It may not be for you, but I like eating out and I like losing weight.

My husband loves to eat out a lot so I had to find a way to make it work for me and my diet.

sjp_511

I love getting a small sirloin steak and ordering double veggies instead of the usual veggies and potato. Most people don't even bat an eye. Hey I'm having steak how could I be on a diet.

This.

Agree. Grilled meat (chicken, fish, shrimp, pork, steak) with veggies is your best bet at many restaurants. At many restaurants salads are not a good choice - I have seen salads with more calories than a burger & fries!

Greytfish

I have a rule that works for me. I eat 1/2 of what they serve. I take the other half home and measure and weigh it and use it as a snack if there is not too many calories or a meal if the calories fit into the meal category. I simply ask them when I order the food to divide it in half and put 1/2 in a take out box. It may not be for you, but I like eating out and I like losing weight.

My husband loves to eat out a lot so I had to find a way to make it work for me and my diet.

I do this sometimes especially if I want something like a rich pasta dish that comes in huge portions. Instead of taking it home I'll often give it to a homeless person who otherwise might not have a decent meal. Two birds, one stone.

Lrdoflamancha

Sometimes you actually burn calories eating out.

That doesn't make sense, you don't burn enough calories chewing to make a dent in the calories in most dishes at restaurants

Eating out....has 2 meanings... She meant the other one.

Foodiethinking

Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful!
Feel much more confident now with restaurant food, great idea about checking nutritional info before I leave the house.

mizzfitnesss

I'm in the mindset that I can have whatever I want, as long as it fits my daily calorie deficit, I'm balancing meals with plenty of fruit and vegetables and I exercise and move around more. Recently I've been socialising a lot and been struggling to fit food out, with my MFP limits. My friends and family don't know I'm trying to lose weight, they've seen a bit of a difference, but I'd rather not have the pressure.

I've been cutting down calories at other meals during the day but sometimes on menus I really struggle. I have salad with food, but don't want it to be the sole component on the plate. What do you order when you're out to try and keep within your daily limits without feeling like you are restricting or denying yourself.

Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks!

I can relate to this 100%. I'm a football Junkie (Go Cowboys) and trying to eat healthy on Football Sunday is almost impossible... You have to do you research before you leave the house to go socialize. Study the menu and figure out what to eat before you get to the restaurant... I just start back with my diet/ life style change after Christmas, so now on Sundays, I would get up, workout , cooked and eat before I leave the house to go watch the games.. Not to mention, I only carry cash to make sure I don't buy omany drinks... I'm like you, I don't want the pressure so my friends don't know, so me saying I left my credits cards at home is better than the watching my every move.