Going to a Steak House - what to eat?!

shelley182

Hi There,
I'm new to the boards but a long time user on and off of MFP. I am aiming to lose 50Ibs in the next few months so have embarked on a healthy eating and exercise routine.

My first challenge is going to be next Friday when I'll be visiting a steak house for a friend's birthday - would I be ok with a small steak and salad with no dressing?!

Thanks in advance
Shelley

Pams_Shadow

That's what I'm having tonight at a local steakhouse... 6 oz NY strip steak, 1 baked potato (bringing my own fat free sour cream) and a house salad (bringing my own fat free dressing). Yum Yum! So long as I plan properly, I'm not afraid to eat out.

busyPK

Sure, small steak (not too many seasonings) and salad (even w/dressing on the side) would be just fine. You can workout that day and earn some extra calories and then you can enjoy yourself without worrying about your calorie count. Does this steakhouse have a website with a menu?

TeresaC79

And have you checked the data base to see if it is already in there? You might be surprised by what is already logged. I would get the salad and a side of vinegar the steak and probably a side of steamed veggies instead of the potato. And like someone said, workout so you can build some exercise calories then not be afraid to go a little over.

ishallnotwant

I don't eat out often, so when I do I use it as a cheat meal. I'd have a filet mignon, baked potato, veggie side, side salad, and probably a few slices of that yummy bread they usually serve at steak houses with some butter. I'd probably wash it all down with a tall glass of iced tea with lemon. Eat slowly, enjoy your meal, and think of it as an indulgence that you've earned by working out and sticking with your healthy eating habits. One meal isn't the one that's going to kill your progress-it's the daily habits you maintain and foods you consume that will, if you make poor choices.

Letty_c

I go to the website and see if they have nutritional information and decide what will be best. Sometimes you don't find anything low calorie so as soon as they bring my food I split my food in half and put it into a to go box.

shelley182

Thanks guys! That's really helpful! It's an independent so doesn't have a menu online unfortunately! I'm not a lover of sauces or peppers anyway so should be ok without any dressings or sour cream! My biggest challenge will be my birthday later on in the month! :-S

xx

Barneystinson

If you find a comparable steak to what's on the Outback Steakhouse menu, you'll find many that are fairly reasonable calorie-wise and they're an awesome source of protein.

I usually will get a large serving of steamed broccoli, butter on the side, as a side with steak. Maybe a side salad.

nskerr

Surprisingly enough when you go to a chain restaurant the steaks have the least amount of calories on the menu so you should be ok there. It is the bread and side dishes that kill you. If you are just having a steak, salad and maybe a baked potato you should be fine.

Delpfine

If you get a 6 oz steak, cut it in half and immediately put 3 oz in a take home box. Have a salad with no dressing or just vinegar, broccoli, and a small baked potato with no butter. Sweet potato would be better if they have it. Don't have bread, wine, or dessert.

2Bgoddess

I ask them t swap the potato with more veggies, and get a small steak. Water to drink.

ElizabethRoad

I go over my calorie goal all the time. I just eat less on another day.

jchester71

Lean cuts of steak are always good (Think sirloin or strip not ribeye or fillet). A baked potato where you control the topping is OK. Watch the croutons in the salad, and avoid bread, tapas/apps and mashed potatoes. And relax have a good time and don't make a friend's birthday about your diet.

bhalter

Definitely try to stick to the basics - a serving of protein (I know it's a steakhouse, but they may have grilled or baked chicken), a big serving of veggies, and maybe a small baked potato or sweet potato if they have it.

seehawkmomma

I'm thinking if your gonna go to a steak house I'd say steak

They might have some good seafood dishes that is less calories.

If you know what the place is called you can google their meals and find out what meals have what before hand so you'll know what to order.

MinnesotaManimal

When I go to a good steak house....... I order a 12-20 ounce new york strip or sirloin steak, and have a salad with light dressing on the side. Even when I was aiming to lose 2 lbs a week and eating 1,200 calories a day, I would just save my calories for supper and do this. Don't be afraid of protein......

Miss_Chievous_wechange

6 oz steak with steamed veggies

jchester71

Seafood, apart from grilled salmon, will almost never be lower in calories than a grilled steak in a restaurant.

JoolieW68

Get what you want, just don't get anything swimming in butter or fried, and get the salad dressing on the side. And skip dessert if they only offer the huge monster dishes.

Be good the rest of the week, do a little extra work out, and don't beat yourself up. When you're laying on your death bed, are you really going to think to yourself "Wow, my life is so fulfilled because I micromanaged that ONE meal"? It's about what you do MOST of the time that counts.

onefitdiva

5 or 6oz Filet Mignon, no larger, skip the potato or rice, ask for double veggies instead w/o added butter or oil. Also for the salad see if you can get balsamic vinegar and olive oil on the side, if not get the dressing of your choice on the side and dip your fork in it before taking a fork full of salad, rather than pouring it on the salad.

ryno0618

I'd get a 5-6 ounce lean steak or a grilled chicken breast. Side salad without all the extra crap and a vinegarette dressing on the side. Baked potato without toppings would be alright too or even better if they have broccoli, green beans, or some other veggie. Steakhouses can actually be fairly easy to eat at compared to italian, chinese, etc.

tinglesby

I always check beforehand on a website iff possible if im going out to eat. its just good to plan ahead!

reaolliemama

small steak if you want to, I usually opt for fish or seafood (it's just my preference, not necessarily better calorie wise), sweet potato plain or with a little cinnamon, or possibly the ever popular "seasonal" veggies" which always seems to be broccoli :noway: and a salad (I can't do it without dressing, so I get whatever fat free variety they have)...Most of all don't agonize over it, enjoy the company and take the focus off the food!

celticmuse

Ask for the container for the doggie bag as soon as the food is served. Then put the "excess" food in it, and close the lid and enjoy the rest. You will forget it is even there, but hopefully remember to take it with you when you leave. I did that last week with a prime rib, and I was shocked at how much I took home. And I didn't overeat that evening....

muffintopminx

If you can, refuse the bread basket - don't even let them set it on the table.
And if your table orders appetizers, order your salad first to be brought out with them, that way you won't be tempted.

Small steak (no cheeses, sauces or sauteed mushrooms/onions) and steamed veg and you should be a-ok.

oh also: Unsweetened tea or water with lemon. And no dessert.

SUCCESS!

Scott613

2 steaks