Family pub meal out on Sunday

AstyPasty

I'm taking my Mum out for a meal at a local pub on Sunday to recognise a year since my Dad died.

I'm, already wondering what I should eat. The pub 'specialises' in old fashioned British Sunday roast lunch (it's my Mum's favourite place to eat out!), which I admit I love! I don't want to have salad - I eat salad all week and it's a special occasion so would like to have a 'proper' meal.

Obviously it's difficult to know the calories of all the dishes at the pub so I wondered if anyone had any bright ideas on the best sort of meal to go for. I've felt really good about all my food and exercise since joining MFP and I don't want it all to go to pot! I'm in the UK by the way if that makes any difference.

Thanks for any help )

bellebrummell

Hello!

Sorry to hear about your Dad. I lost my Mum not long ago.

I've only started using this site properly today but I've seen lots of advice about having a 'cheat' meal, or factoring a higher calorie meal into your weekly calorie allowance...

I haven't tried this yet but I think it sounds like a good way of having the odd special meal.

I'd go with a proper Sunday lunch though... I'm English too and it's my fave meal ever!

tdlsaint

Just one meal won't matter, it would only make a difference if it caused you to go back to old eating habits. So, as long as you know you can have just the one special meal and remember your Dad and have a good gathering with your Mom, just enjoy it and don't even worry about it. Remember, this is a long journey, not a sprint, keep dedicated and it will work out!

juicymisslucy

I would try to stay away from anything fried or breads. But.....everything in moderation, right? Good luck!

toddx318

Sometimes it's ok to just eat and not worry about it. I mean, watch your portion control, but just enjoy the time with your mom. Track what you can, and just start back up the next day. One high day wont ruin everything.

AllisonMart

So sorry about your dad. We're having a 1 year get-together for my cousin's passing in August, I understand how hard it is.

Go ahead and eat what you want, especially for an occasion like that. One day won't hurt you, just get back on the wagon the next day!

beccala18

Can you see the menu online? Do you know what components the meal will entail?

If so, then search each component in the database and add it individually before you eat it on Sunday. Then you'll have an idea of what you are eating. It won't be exact, but it will be a good estimate.

And don't worry about going over one day. One day in the scheme of things isn't going to crush your weight loss. Maybe take a walk or run earlier in the day to balance out some of the calories you will be consuming.

Charliebarleymo

I love a full pub roast! Bearing in mind the occasion, I really wouldn't worry about the calories. Maybe skip starter and pudding, but enjoy a good meal. You can make up for it later in the week. I've had quite a few special meals/restaurant meals over the last few weeks of MFP and have lost weight steadily.

abfab_sweetie

I would go for a high protein low carb meal. Have some roast meat and lots of veges, but steer clear of the potatoes and yorskshire pudding. Or you could go to the gym or for a run first, then you won't feel as guilty if you treat yourself!

Aquaduckie

My advice is to enjoy yourself and the food. Order whatever you want. Just don't clean your plate. Eat only half your meal and take the rest home for later. Our weight is not determined by what we eat once in a while. It is determined by what we eat daily. It's not going to make all your efforts go to pot if you have one "cheat meal". As long as you're eating healthy 90% of the time, you're going to be fine. And if you're really worried about the extra calories, go for an extra long walk, or just do an extra workout this week.
If I didn't get to enjoy real, non-diet food once in a while, I wouldn't last on my weight loss journey!

tigerlily8045

Honestly, try to just watch portions, don't feel like because you are out you need to stuff till over full. Take your time and enjoy the food and time with your mom. If it makes you feel any better try to fit in a good workout.

Kath712

My advice is to enjoy yourself and the food. Order whatever you want. Just don't clean your plate. Eat only half your meal and take the rest home for later. Our weight is not determined by what we eat once in a while. It is determined by what we eat daily. It's not going to make all your efforts go to pot if you have one "cheat meal". As long as you're eating healthy 90% of the time, you're going to be fine. And if you're really worried about the extra calories, go for an extra long walk, or just do an extra workout this week.
If I didn't get to enjoy real, non-diet food once in a while, I wouldn't last on my weight loss journey!

Big ditto! Enjoy what you get, but eat mindfully. If you start to feel full, slow down or stop completely. Put your fork down, drink some water. Wait and see if you are still hungry. Or, ask to have it wrapped up or taken away.

NatalieWinning

I agree, the one day out of many won't change a thing. You probably can't even eat as much as you could. You can box half right away and bring it home. High protein and lower carb is a good way to think of it along with portions. Thats an easy idea. They hide the crazy calories in sauces, breads, cheeses, and deserts. Fruity alcoholic drinks are also a killer for calories. But if you can exercise a lot that day and go light on the meals around it. Then just enjoy your family and the meal. Right back at it the next day!

I don't have cheat days, I just have occasions. They aren't always planned, so I try and stay "good" until they come up, or I get busy. I try and remember that it's not the usual, and after extra water and a day or 2 it's right back to normal, even if I bloat up on the scale. Occasionally it even boosts my weight loss.

dls06

Stay away from the Bread or have 1 small piece. No cheese or croutons on your salad and have the dressing on the side. Enjoy your entree and if it they have large portions, bring 1/2 home. Enjoy the time with your Mom, life as you know is too short. :flowerforyou:

AstyPasty

Oh wow! I'm blown away by all your replies - thank you all so much :flowerforyou:

You've made me feel so much better about our lunch out on Sunday - loads of great ideas as well. I will try and get to the gym Sunday morning and, if not, will take my dog for a long walk to burn off some calories beforehand.

I'll skip on the starter and enjoy the lovely roast dinner but do as suggested and eat it slow, I must learn not to finish all my food even I'm full, leaving some, or taking it home is a much better option.

They do half portion dessert ice cream at the pub so I think I'll opt for that.

I can't believe that me posting and all the great answers have made me feel so much better about Sunday. It'll be a tough day but Mum and I will raise a glass to Dad and I shall enjoy our lunch without feeling guilty. Huge thanks again everyone .
Astrid :blushing:

nwg74

I did the same thing after a couple of months.

I made sure I did plenty of exercise by walking 30 miles that week and had a full plate roast on the Sunday (beef and turkey and even a yorkshire pudding). I also had a nice Irish Coffee to finish it on. The next day was weigh in day and I still had lost 2.5 pounds.