Burger joint angst

dragonbug300

I think I have a date tomorrow (wonder of all wonders) but it's at a burger place called Melvin's. I haven't seen the menu and I can't find it online.
I don't like just getting salads when everyone else is getting a burger. Especially on a date... it would seem awkward. I do like veggies (real ones, not fried potatoes). So, for the frequenters of burger joints, what advice do you have on keeping a meal healthy? Should I eat like a saint all day until that point?

I'd also like to hear whatever any guys have to say about their dates' food. Do you care if she gets a healthy meal at a grease vendor? Is it better to eat half a burger than a whole salad?

My mind is frazzled. I'm probably over-thinking things.

Nikstergirl

I would opt for a grilled chicken sandwich, no mayo, on whole wheat if they have it and loaded with veggies. Maybe a side salad instead of fries? Or even a baked potato if available. If they have soup they might have something that would work like chili or chicken noodle... but those can be laden with sodium.

Good luck!

xxjessikatxx

They may have salads..But why not have a small burger.If its a burger joint its like making a burger at home not many calories unlike mcdonalds.Iam not a big meat eater my any means but once a month we go to a local burger place well bc they are amazings and i never go over nor do i have to starve all day to eat a burger fries n a soda..Have fun..I dont think a guy cares he may wonder why you said yes to going to a burger place if your not gonna eat one lol.

szieres

There are ways to get a yummy burger in and keeping it low(er) in calories. Ofcourse, it won't be the healthiest, but sometimes its just so dang yummy
Working at a restaurant myself, I understand completely.. we have the BEST burgers but I've had to learn how to make them light(er). No butter on the bun, mustard instead of mayo (or plain) with just veggies. Also, it depends on how they prepare them (they should have a nutrition guide there.. maybe stop by a bit earlier and give it a once over). Also, you can try eating some healthy filling items at home BEFORE the date, so if you DO order a burger, and you only eat half... you honestly CAN say you are stuffed!!
Good luck!

NightOwl1

I would say go with the grilled chicken (non breaded). it's usually better than a burger.

As for the date part. Hopefully you trying to live a healthy lifestyle is something that comes up in conversation. If it's a big part of your life, you should want whoever you date to be supportive of it. If they think it's lame that you're trying to be healthy, then they're probably not the right person for you to date.

elid

I LOVE cheeseburgers. Sometimes I eat only half the bun, sometimes I eat it bunless, and sometimes I cut the burger (with bun) into fourths and only eat 3/4. Skip the fries and maybe get some steamed veggies on the side if you can.

One thing I will never do is go cheeseless. What is a burger without cheese? :laugh:

JeepBaja

Geez I sound like my dad but if everyone goes and jumps off a bridge after they eat their burger, will you jump as well???

You really have two options...

1. Eat what you want, even if it is a salad. There is no rule that I am aware of when on a date or going out with friends. If the prospective guy cares about what you eat and wants you to have what he is having... well look forward to your next date with another guy!

2. Have a cheat day and don't regret it. Don't dwell on it and just go and enjoy a big fat greasy burger that you eat all by yourself and then look over at the date and say "are you gonna eat that?" while you are at it!

The key for me over the past 90 days and loss of 24lbs. is that I am not sweating if I have something bad to eat. I don't sit at the table and input my calorie count as I eat and not pay attention to those I'm with or go home and be hard on myself for eating that tasty, tasty burger. Part of going out on a date is having fun, right? It's no fun if you are worrying about what you are supposed to eat because others are eating a burger and you prefer salad

dragonbug300

Thanks all :-) I'll try to keep the tips in mind.

Jessikat--From my experience, McDonald's has tiny little burgers, whereas real burger places have gigantic 1/4-1/3 pound rounds of 60% lean meat fried in oil. Served on buttered buns. Or maybe I've just been to some bad places.

NightOwl--I haven't even thought of how odd my perspective is... my trying to hide good eating habits. I have a bizarre relationship with food -_-.

Elid--lovin' the reference. Not so much the cheese. I have a dairy allergy.

6Janelle13

if it is a new guy and you like him don't let him see you stress. Cut some calories but not everything. I love my burgers but no fries and no salad dressing and only unsweetened ice tea or water. if you want to do healthier see if they have meat options (ie turkey or chicken or buffalo<- which is delicious btw and shows an adventurous side and is lean in fat and high in iron) ask for toppings on the side so you have some control or just embrace the cheat day. Work out and try to eat better the rest of the day and enjoy the date. Dates are stressful enough with out asking for a nutrition menu so decide what is most important and assume your sodium will be in the drain since eating out= sodium intake increase. Good luck and have fun

dragonbug300

Geez I sound like my dad but if everyone goes and jumps off a bridge after they eat their burger, will you jump as well???

:laugh:
I have no plans to jump off a bridge, but perhaps I'll do a few jumping jacks.

warmachinejt

I would opt for a grilled chicken sandwich, no mayo, on whole wheat if they have it and loaded with veggies. Maybe a side salad instead of fries? Or even a baked potato if available. If they have soup they might have something that would work like chili or chicken noodle... but those can be laden with sodium.

Good luck!

Second the grilled chicken with NO sauce.
I wouldn't care what my date eats just don't eat like a pig or something cause that would be a turnoff

jamezyjamez

First of all, don't consider your having a date a miracle...unless you mean it's a miracle that someone finally figured out how great you are and decided to try and get to know you better.

Second of all, I'm with Jeep...minus the bridge-jumping.

Do you like the guy? Do you like burgers? Then enjoy both on your date and in moderation. I am a bit of a neurotic when it comes to food, but to be perfectly honest...if a girl went with salad at a burger joint on our first date, I would probably think she was pretentious or a bit holier-than-thou. Just being honest. I would even expect a healthy person to be able to cut loose once in a while and enjoy a treat (assuming you like burgers and consider them a treat).

Like the other poster said, maybe opt for a leaner meat. Or don't eat it all. Avoid the cheese, mayo, bacon toppings. And, like you said, work out extra hard the next day to make up for it if that makes you feel better. In other words, enjoy yourself and the guy if you like him.

Just my $.02 as a guy who has experienced this situation on a date. You don't need to flaunt your healthy lifestyle in his face much as you wouldn't reveal too much of anything personal on the first few dates. Leave a little mystery, you know?!

Good luck and have fun!

dragonbug300

First of all, don't consider your having a date a miracle...unless you mean it's a miracle that someone finally figured out how great you are and decided to try and get to know you better.

Second of all, I'm with Jeep...minus the bridge-jumping.

Do you like the guy? Do you like burgers? Then enjoy both on your date and in moderation. I am a bit of a neurotic when it comes to food, but to be perfectly honest...if a girl went with salad at a burger joint on our first date, I would probably think she was pretentious or a bit holier-than-thou. Just being honest. I would even expect a healthy person to be able to cut loose once in a while and enjoy a treat (assuming you like burgers and consider them a treat).

Like the other poster said, maybe opt for a leaner meat. Or don't eat it all. Avoid the cheese, mayo, bacon toppings. And, like you said, work out extra hard the next day to make up for it if that makes you feel better. In other words, enjoy yourself and the guy if you like him.

Just my $.02 as a guy who has experienced this situation on a date. You don't need to flaunt your healthy lifestyle in his face much as you wouldn't reveal too much of anything personal on the first few dates. Leave a little mystery, you know?!

Good luck and have fun!

I haven't ordered a burger out in years. I think it's about time I cut loose and try one. I agree with the pretentious facade thing... I kind of get the feeling that's the way I'd come off if I did get a salad. Even as someone who eats greens like a rabbit, I would find it obnoxious for someone to order what is clearly a bland salad at a place renowned for greasy goodness.

xxjessikatxx

yes mcdonalds has tiny burgers but huge i calories and fat lol..Just saying a burger from my local joint uses high grade meat and no frying.you can choose the size you would like as well.But its a real burger joint not steak n shake or something.

ivyjbres

Be good through the day, workout so you have some wiggle room, and get the kids menu. If anyone asks, you can just say something like, "Well I don't need all that!" Really, who does? I work in fast food, no one needs (ok, well maybe homeless people who get to eat once a day) a 1200 calorie burger.

DaddyMantz

I love burgers and fries. Sometimes I get it. I think you have to count about 1200 cal for a normal bacon cheeseburger and fries. Don't get the supersize burger or large fries or mayo but enjoy yourself and don't look back. If you can, go for a run sometime before the date. Being on a sustainable low cal diet means eating anything you want while keeping under your NET calorrie goal in my opinion.

milaxx

I would get the burger without mayo or catsup. If possible toss 1 or both pieces of the bread.I don't like catsup so I would eat the fries. I'd have water or an non sweetened ice tea and add my own sweetener from home. (I use stevia) Maybe get a side salad to feel full.

ETA: I just read the other comments. Guess I'd be considered pretentious. I eat salads all the time cause I like salads. I rarely get them from fast food places because they all have meat on them but a mom and pop burger place where I stand a chance of getting an actual salad? I'm all over that.

Mrs_McFadden

I'm more concerned about your date angle. Who cares about the food LOL. Meaning- you have a whole plethora of responses to your situation regarding what shall you eat or not etc.
But the main point is: blow off any dude that would question what you are eating. If you choose to eat half of something...or opt for a salad, if he thinks anything other than 'that's what she wants' hell with that.
Seriously.
It would be one thing if you went out on a date and ate an entire casserole in front of said date. But to be admonished for trying to be reasonable healthy? Just wrong!