URGENT Help! Eating out dilema!!!

ALH1981

Ask for the grilled Seabass Fillets and get it with a salad no dressing.

Pear salad with no cheese or nuts, dressing on the side (as for plain balsamic)

mariodispenza

If this is URGENT, I'd hate to see you in a fire.

Well forgive me, but I thought this was a friendly forum where I could ask advice? To me, it is urgent as I am extremely overweight and was looking for some positive help with what I consider to be a stressful situation. I don't want to let my friends down by turning down the invitation, and I don't want to make a big song and dance about me "being on a diet". Perhaps if I'd have entitled my post as Urgent Help, I'm on fire, maybe I would have had a more positive response from you?

To everyone else, many thanks again for your feedback

Agreed. Kb, did you think that the criticism would be helpful? Dealing with and overcoming these issues has much to do with education and confidence. Denigrating someone for reaching out doesn't inspire one to do so.

morganadk2_deleted

It's just one night. Make the best choices you can, and move on. If you're seriously stressed, have a salad before you go, and then cut the meal in half and box the other half immediately before you eat.

^ this

cloud2011

I wish I could help. I live in NY. There is nothing there I would eat, I am sure you will make the right decision.
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I'm not sure what this means...I also live in NY and I would say go for scallops or sea bass and/or salad, and avoid too much alcohol, because it lowers your inhibitions.

PrincessLou71186

to eat the minimum, I'd steer clear of cheese, sauces and batter. where I don't know the calorie count, I would not have meat or pizza either.

I would go for scallops and the grilled fish for main. fill up on vegetables. limit your alcohol.

I agree.

cloud2011

If this is URGENT, I'd hate to see you in a fire.

Well forgive me, but I thought this was a friendly forum where I could ask advice? To me, it is urgent as I am extremely overweight and was looking for some positive help with what I consider to be a stressful situation. I don't want to let my friends down by turning down the invitation, and I don't want to make a big song and dance about me "being on a diet". Perhaps if I'd have entitled my post as Urgent Help, I'm on fire, maybe I would have had a more positive response from you?

To everyone else, many thanks again for your feedback

I think you'll do fine. As for the criticism, I don't understand why people are so grumpy! All you've done is ask for help, which is how we all get by in life. Have fun tonight!

therealangd

Have one of the salads and get the dressing on the side.

melsmith612

I'd suggest one of the steaks without any butters/sauces (just grilled) with a side green salad in place of chips. Then you can just cut off the portion of steak you want (I've heard that using the palm of your hand is a good guage to get about 4 oz) and give the rest to anyone in your party that might want extra - or take home the extras and cut it up for a salad of your own the next day.

Otherwise? You could always eat a healthy salad before you go and just splurge on an appetizer or soup that catches your eye once you get there.

Also, instead of alcohol, order a sparkling water (if they have it) with a slice of lemon/lime and it'll feel like you're having a drink with everyone without feeling guilty later.

Good luck!!!

thepetiterunner

I'd probably just eat beforehand, fill up on good veggies and fruits, etc, then just order a small appetizer or side dishes at the dinner instead. You don't have to order a full entree to enjoy the company of others. Or if you would, do as others have suggested and ask if they'll do something like accomodate you with grilled fish and steamed veggies, etc. Also, if it makes you feel better, go exercise a bit more today or tomorrow.

Eating out doesn't have to derail you Just plan for it, and enjoy it in the moment.

ElPumaMex

i have to say, i wouldn't be happy with some of the advice here.

If there's one thing I have learned from weight loss, it's learning to love and look forward to smaller and/or healthier portions. Essentially, not to view a healthy diet as a gastronomic prison for what the heart/taste buds desire.

eat what you like and go back on the diet tomorrow? personally, i would be wary about letting this turn from the exception to the rule.

Sorry to bring a slightly negative view

edit: apologies if i have missed the point and some people are being tongue in cheek

Completely agree with this post.

thepetiterunner

If this is URGENT, I'd hate to see you in a fire.

Well forgive me, but I thought this was a friendly forum where I could ask advice? To me, it is urgent as I am extremely overweight and was looking for some positive help with what I consider to be a stressful situation. I don't want to let my friends down by turning down the invitation, and I don't want to make a big song and dance about me "being on a diet". Perhaps if I'd have entitled my post as Urgent Help, I'm on fire, maybe I would have had a more positive response from you?

To everyone else, many thanks again for your feedback

I'm not sure it ever needs to be a "song and dance". Remember, there's no need to justify, explain or announce that you're deciding to make healthier choices for yourself. Just order what you like - these are your friends, they shouldn't be grilling you about what you're eating or not eating anyway, right?

And the bit about "urgency"... I think it's just a matter of perspective. To the other poster this may not be urgent, to you it is, and that's fine. Just a matter of perspective.

Good luck!

Judway

yes i see lots you could have
start with the garden salad
then have Salmon & Caper Fishcake, Poached Egg, Mango Hollandaise 7.95/10.95
or the seabass

sadee2006

I have had this dilemma also in the past. As a life long dieter I have learned to order with no sauces or to order them on the side.
Also a trick is to ask for a to go container when you first get your food and divide it right then. This way you don't over eat. It helps to control your food intake. This works very well for me. Good luck

mixedfeelings

I 'd say this looks fairly healthy;

Seabass Fillets, Sweet Potato & Aubergine Tagine, Chickpeas and Olives
or
Chermoula Spiced Mackerel Fillet, Warm Potato, Orange, Olives and Fennel Salad, with Tomato Salsa

but anything that isn't covered with sauce, red meats, or pastas, it also depends on how everything is cooked.

amazon75

don't be afraid to special order your food. I was invited out for a birthday dinner recently to a mexican restaurant and I automatically started panicking.

I ended up ordering a la carte and being very specific with how my food was prepared (no oil, no cheese). Also, I'd eaten lighter earlier in the day in order to allow myself some leeway with dinner.

darylinny

There are some really great tips here. Control the calories during the day, stick with non-fried food, have the fish and have half of the meal wrapped up right away (unless they plate actual portion size).

If you over do it, add some more time to your work outs during the week. Don't beat yourself up and don't stress out. This is a lifestyle change not a diet. Soon this will be second nature to you.

1969San

thanks for all the tips, I think I will go for the seabass with green salad or spit chicken with salad. Unfortunately in the UK it is unheard of to ask for your meal to be wrapped to take home. I think what made me panic more than anything was that the menu isn't a simple one, usually pub food in the UK is fairly standard and there would usually be more than enough choice to choose healthily without having to ask for special requirements. However, I had not heard of a lot of things on this menu and therefore was at a loss as to what to choose.

I will go out and enjoy the company of my friends, I will enjoy my meal without guilt and log everything I have when I get back. One good thing about me is that I don't really have a sweet tooth so forgoing a pud is not a problem )

michaeltoye

...One good thing about me is that I don't really have a sweet tooth so forgoing a pud is not a problem )

you're lucky I have to plan to eat less to fit in the requisite chocolate at the end of the day

LorrainePorta

Just be sure to keep portions under control. Have salad with dressing on the side. anything grilled. veggies and exchange any potatoe or rice for an extra side of veggies.

veniceit

If it was me I'd order the, Mediterranean Mezze, and offer to share some if anyone wants a taste. then get a side salad or soup if it's veggie.

Ven

1969San

Update! So I had the mackerel fillet with salad and tomato salsa followed by the spit chicken with green salad instead of chips and it was bloody loverly! LOL. Skipped dessert and had one glass of soda water with a dash of lime.

Had a great girly catch up and had a thoroughly great night. Thanks everyone for your support. I feel like I have stayed on track, within my calorie allowance and have no guilt whatsoever!

mariodispenza

Well done.

JGullick

Nice one hun! I was going to give you a reply, but noticed that you had already had loads of advice and they had already said what I was going to say!! Its ok to have treats occasionally too! I try not to think of it as dieting, but eating healthier. x