Chili's and Restaurant Insanity

CannibalisticVegetarian

Totally understand what you mean. In most cases I'll visit a website for the information, or look for healthier options via my Eat This, Not That book, but when you're at a Mom and Pop restaurant that usually lacks a nutritional menu, or at a ceremony where there's homemade foods, what then? With me, I typically eat lighter or go with what I know and what usually is known to be lower in calories. That doesn't guarantee that what I'm eating at that time IS the best choice, but I'd like to think so. Things with thicker, creamy sauces or anything drizzled with a glaze.. or sweets (my downfall) are the things I'll have in a smaller portion size instead. As for the restaurant, I'll attempt to share my food or will try to fill myself up on water or something.

katcod1522

What do you value more?

Bacon, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Milk.

yum..PB:)

Mix all 3 together? lol

iuangina

I think it's time to stop hanging out with your cousin. He/she is obviously trying to sabotage your efforts. What do you value more?

Really?

Bacon of course

loseiteli

I always try to plan before hand, but with my friends the plans change 98 times before we end up somewhere. So, I try to get a fish, grilled if possible, no butter/sauces and steamed veggies.

Otherwise I am of the mind that eating over my calories once in a blue moon is not going to ruin my efforts, as long as it does not become a habit :drinker:

allnamesgone

I always get the grilled chicken sandwich, hold the dressing, bacon, and bun. I should have them hold the swiss cheese, but I love it. I'd rather they hold the chicken. lol Then I get broccoli on the side. It's delicious.

Balice57

I agree that restaurants need to do a better job of cutting out some of those calories. I like the Cheesecake Factory's new skinny menu, although many of those items are still pretty high - especially in sodium. Red Robin has an online "build your burger" option that lets you modify your burger, and shows you how much that extra slice of cheese adds to the calorie count, etc. It's enlightening. I just try to plan ahead and eat slowly enough that I get full before I've cleaned the plate. The other day I had a burger after a long walk, and ate half of it with the bun, but then just the meat on the second half and scraped off all but a bit of the cheese. I am amazed at how many calories are in bread, even without any condiments added. And yes, I used to eat out all the time without any idea how many calories I was eating - at least now I know when I have overindulged and can adjust accordingly.

Schula03

I always order what I want and eat 1/2. I rarely go out to eat so I figure its ok every once and awhile!

Schraudt814

Chili's is pretty notorious for terrible options. If you don't have the option of checking out the menu, definitely stick with foods prepared grilled and steamed, etc. Even those can be slathered in butter and other terrible sauces, but you can always request it be left off if the restaurant can do that. It's been my experience that in some restaurants, the salads are some of the WORST options. Leave it to corporate food chains to put 1300 calories in a salad! But pretty much any place there's ways around the calorie bombs. Definitely drink a loooot of water before, during, and after. Sodium is terrible in restaurants!It doesn't seem like you eat out too much so I really wouldn't sweat it too much. Once in a while it's ok.

Natelywills

I have to say, I have had this exact experience. Only mine was with The Cheesecake Factory. I was so angry when I realized the chicken sandwich I had eaten had half a day's calories in it!

As a rule of thumb, if I am going to supper, I try and store about 500 calories for that meal. Then I order an appetizer (because their portions are normally around the size of a realistic entree portion). I get whatever I fancy (cheesy things, fried things, etc) and eat half. I take the other half home. THEN I do my MFP and if I have calories left, I work out how much of the leftovers I can have and eat that. If I have calories left and don't want the leftovers, I eat something else up to my number. If I eat the rest of the appetizer and have calories left, I eat something else to bring my numbers up but normally this is a safer method than eating at the restaurant and hoping it's good.

I tell you, I'm not sure where these restaurants get their chicken from but I can make the exact same dishes at home with regular fat ingredients and it's STILL lighter in calories. It's weird but it drives you mad because you feel you can;t go out or have a good time and this plan is supposed to be about a change of life and not thinking like a dieter. :-(

DannyMussels

My best bet is ordering a salad with little to no dressing (or using salsa or hot sauce).

Then I usually toss grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon on top.

If I have anything else, I won't have the sauce on it. It's an easy way to save 100+ calories generally.

Also nothing deep-friend, or no pastas. They're usually 2-3x what you should be eating anyways, portionwise.

At work we get free food, I stick with eggs, or do our asian noodle dish, but use lettuce instead of noodles (its basically 12oz mixed vegetables and chicken).

debloves2ride

Like everyone else, I look it up before hand if I can. I have found you can order a turkey sandwich and soup and have less calories than the "healthy" salads. I had a salad at applebees the other day and thought I did good WRONG! I like chili's lunch deal you can get a small dinner salad and 1/2 sandwich (I think its called pick two) and it isn't to bad. I also will order an appetizer as my meal sometimes, that helps, but boy you sure have to watch that also.

jpruder

Great tips! I unfortunately do not have a smart phone (boo) or that would have been my first go-to! I use MFP from my computer. I already don't eat condiments or dressing (I never have, I just don't like them) so I at least had that in my favor. I definitely need to start pre-dividing my food and boxing it right away. I will say when I busted my booty at the gym from 9pm - 10:30pm I felt much better about the whole thing!

Kerri_is_so_very

Last time I traveled for work I went to Chili's 2-3 that week. I got their grilled salmon (with nothing) and instead of potato they gave me 2 servings of steamed (plain) broccoli. The cals were perfect (this item wasn't in their "light" section, it was just off the regular menu. It was a great choice and I was happy to have a heaping pile of broccoli instead of potato (be sure to ask for it steamed though, without butter or anything...otherwise it seems pretty oily.

MsMargie1116

I am a regular Chili's person, so I pretty much know what to get there. You can usually be pretty safe with Fajitas. I have NO PROBLEM asking them to fix it the way I want it. I tell them NO sizzle sauce (which has all the oils/fats in it). I either go with no tortillas, or ask for corn tortilla (but it's usually no tortillas). I don't get cheese or sour cream and don't like Pico de gallo, so I usually ask for extra guac on the side. Yes, Guac has a lot of fat, but it is a good fat, so I enjoy it as I wish. And if I REALLY want to splurge, I'll allow myself some chips and salsa... Their chips are so thin, that I can have a few more and still not kill myself calorie wise. Keep in mind, when I do eat the chips/salsa, I've either already gotten in my exercise for the day, or plan on it. I don't like seeing myself go over my calories goal, so I will get in my work out, even if it's walking the parking lot for an hour and a half to burn off those calories.

Tranquil_Miche

When at Chili's I eat off their kid's menu. They don't give you this menu, but I choose a plain chicken breast with a side of broccoli. I usually add an extra side of broccoli also so I get full enough. It's hard to eat healthy out though.

fmbomzo

I don't stress it.

If I can look it up, I don't mind asking the server to come back while I look over the choices. Most places I eat out have items listed on MFP or other calorie tracker sites, if not their own website.

I follow the general rule of always getting a carryout box and putting about half in there if there is no nutritional info available or I know it's ridiculously high in calories.

I went to Longhorn last night and had the grilled rainbow trout with veggies, one slice of bread and shared a dessert. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal.

I actually got a gift card from Maggiano's corporate office because I complained to them about a server who refused to accomodate my request to substitute veggies for the potatoes and also refused to just not bring the potatoes out. He also refused to ask if I could have my salmon lightly prepared. They said they would review their training materials to ensure that guests' accomodation requests were being honored and also they would do individual coaching at that location with the individual in question. If I'm paying, I have the right to ask for what I need to make my meal satisfactory. Leaving off a little oil/butter and giving me extra veggies to replace potatoes is not difficult.

monicaroozo

That is mortifying. I am also often scared to eat out! I try to look up my cals beforehand... but people think we're crazy for doing this

I am glad you posted this. I don't want to give business to a company that mindlessly contributes the health issues our country is struggling with.

Knowledge is power - and I am glad you shared this!

kmelski

The more we as consumers ask for healthier options and vote with our dollars, the more likely food service providers are to meet market demand - so keep "annoying" the waiters by asking how their meals can be made healthier!

We've discovered (as I'm sure many of you have) that it's so easy to make complete, hearty, and delicious meals for under 500 calories (starting with a large portion of fresh veggies does most of the work for you... add a lean protein option and a reasonable portion of a whole-grain starch without too much butter or oil, and voila!) ...it makes us extra frustrated at restaurants who seem to struggle with this simple concept.

AmyLRed

i live in maine, and within the next year (I think thats the time frame anyhow) it will be the law that all restaurants have to post cal and fat content info on the menu, for every item!
However, i think that everywhere in the US they are required to provide it for you, if you ask. If i am somewhere i ididnt plan for or dont know the info for, i ask for nutrition facts. Sure they may roll their eyes at me when they walk away, but i dont care:)

Other than that, i do what others have suggested. Grilled meats, sauces and dressings on the side, etc.

Phanscom

Here's a great video tip on eating out from Chris Powell (Extreme Makeover Weight).

to your health!
Patricia

ishallnotwant

I think it's good that you have your goals in order and you are serious about them, but I think you may want to relax a bit about the so strict eating. One meal out isn't going to kill you occasionally. Relax, enjoy your meal out, and hit it hard the next day in the gym, drinking your water, and with good eats. Strict thinking like yours (Makes me paranoid about ever eating out") can lead to an unhealthy view of food and ultimately can even lead to ED...try and remember that food is not your enemy, it is FUEL to run your body, so enjoy it, and work your butt off! lol!

princessdracos

I'm a server, and I had to laugh at the previous poster who said to keep "annoying" us! I've found that people can be very timid about voicing their food concerns/needs, and it's sad. One thing I pride myself on is menu knowledge and how to accommodate my guests' needs. I know that most of us aren't like that, but PLEASE don't be afraid to talk to your server or a manager if your server is an idiot...I've worked with a lot of them...lol. I'm fortunate to work for a company that cares about our guests which is why I've worked there for over 10 years.

That being said, I also prefer not to be lied to. If you are avoiding something for non-allergy purposes, just tell me. For instance, I loathe cilantro, but it won't make me sick or kill me. I tell my server, "I really can't stand cilantro, so can you help me avoid it, please?" Then again, that's just me.

And finally, don't be afraid to trust those of us who are competent. When I tell you the corn dish is lower in fat and calories than the spinach dish, you should believe me. Finding that info was a real eye-opener...lol

Oh, and enjoy yourself! :drinker:

wyndwoman

I'm a server, and I had to laugh at the previous poster who said to keep "annoying" us! I've found that people can be very timid about voicing their food concerns/needs, and it's sad. One thing I pride myself on is menu knowledge and how to accommodate my guests' needs. I know that most of us aren't like that, but PLEASE don't be afraid to talk to your server or a manager if your server is an idiot...I've worked with a lot of them...lol. I'm fortunate to work for a company that cares about our guests which is why I've worked there for over 10 years.

That being said, I also prefer not to be lied to. If you are avoiding something for non-allergy purposes, just tell me. For instance, I loathe cilantro, but it won't make me sick or kill me. I tell my server, "I really can't stand cilantro, so can you help me avoid it, please?" Then again, that's just me.

And finally, don't be afraid to trust those of us who are competent. When I tell you the corn dish is lower in fat and calories than the spinach dish, you should believe me. Finding that info was a real eye-opener...lol

Oh, and enjoy yourself! :drinker:

thanks for that, as an ex server I find most servers will help if you ask them. I hate cabbage in all forms and sadly red cabbage is ubiquitous in most every 'salad' base. I tell the server and they are great about minimizing the amount that ends up on my plate. Bless em everyone!

as for chain places, Applebees tries with a 550 Cal menu http://www.applebees.com/menu/under-550-calories

aj_31

Chili's has a Margarita Chicken dish that is excellent and only about 600 calories for a big plate of food.

And it's suprisingly delicious.

My go to meal at Chili's. I love it!

SweetSammie

I get the quesadilla explosion salad... dressing on the side, no ranch "drizzle" no tortilla chips, extra pico de gallo. THen I eat half of it, and don't eat any of the mini quesadillas... it turns out to be about 400 calories for half the salad that way.
I also worked at Chili's in college. They used to have a 1/2 turkey sandwich that you could get with a house salad (hold the cheese, extra pico) and sub veggies for fries and it was ALOT of food for around 500 cals.... unfortunately, it is no more.
The Margherita Chicken is good.

suerun11

Kids menu's are my best friend...Chill's have the chicken breast with steams broccoli:) Most places offer healthy choices for kids and generally they are the right portions for adults:)

kmelski

I'm a server, and I had to laugh at the previous poster who said to keep "annoying" us!

That's why I put it in quotes. :happy: I hope everyone's always polite! We've had fantastic responses from people at most restaurants when we ask about having our meals without butter or whatever, or to have our dressing on the side.... lots of people are really excited to hear about MFP and congratulate us when we tell them how much weight we've lost.

Every once in a while we'll get a more negative response - don't know if it's directly related to our questions or they're just having a bad day or what - but that's pretty rare. Mostly folks are really friendly & willing to help out.

Thanks to you great servers out there! :drinker:

princessdracos

I'm a server, and I had to laugh at the previous poster who said to keep "annoying" us!

That's why I put it in quotes. :happy: I hope everyone's always polite! We've had fantastic responses from people at most restaurants when we ask about having our meals without butter or whatever, or to have our dressing on the side.... lots of people are really excited to hear about MFP and congratulate us when we tell them how much weight we've lost.

Every once in a while we'll get a more negative response - don't know if it's directly related to our questions or they're just having a bad day or what - but that's pretty rare. Mostly folks are really friendly & willing to help out.

Thanks to you great servers out there! :drinker:

I wish everyone would be polite :grumble: Guess you can't win 'em all, eh? My favorite guests are the ones I get to have a real conversation with...I've referred many to my favorite recipe website when I find out they're gluten free because a lot of that site's readers adapt the recipes and post them in the comments. I've met some really interesting people over the years, too. You know what? I really love my job. :laugh:

vegmebuff

My friends decided they wanted to eat at Chili's for our tomorrow's meet-up lunch...I'm dreading it! The menu (calories/sodium/fat...etc.,)

What a waste of calories...typical 'chain' (a.k.a. yuck!!!)food. The macros suck...bla.

I have no idea what I'll be ordering

Wetcoaster

6 year old post.......