what "safe food" do you order when you eat out?

gallerygirl21

I'm going out with friends tonight and plan on ordering a salad with salmon on it. Unfortunately, it is not a chain so I will just have to guess at the nutritional information.

Any tips on what to order when in a restaurant? TIA!

CoderGal

When it comes to salads I find Greek Salad the most filling.
And I usually try to order chicken anything. Preferably grilled or roasted. It really depends on where I go. If it's indian tandori is better then sauces and nan.

DanaDark

Grilled chicken with two sides of steamed broccoli is wonderful. And of course, a hefty glass of water!

Acg67

Eat foods that sound or look appealing to you on the menu, make your best guess on how many cals if you want to log it. If it happens to put you over your cals, so be it, enjoy the food and get on track the next day

bcattoes

It depends on the restaurant but in general if I'm trying to keep it healthy and lower cal I'll go with a small piece of grilled fish or meat and non-potato veggie sides.

handle123

i usually order a steak and ask for salad only with no dressing or a fat free dressing.

rebeccap13

You can approximate portions using this: http://www.webmd.com/diet/printable/wallet-portion-control-size-guide

caraiselite

plain grilled protein, like steak or chicken, and salad (with ranch or oil and vinegar) or plain veg. (with butter)

SeaChele77

Grilled/baked/blackened chicken or fish is usually a safe choice. Greek salad is actually not that great - lots of hidden calories in the dressing. If you get salad make sure to get light dressing and on the side. It may be safer to go with chicken or fish with veggies.
But as above posted said - enjoy time with your friends and if it comes down to it....make today your cheat day and don't stress over your calories.

Gioooo

i eat whatever i want when i eat out just portion control i do love seafood and chicken though so thats usually what ill order

MrDude_1

Eat foods that sound or look appealing to you on the menu, make your best guess on how many cals if you want to log it. If it happens to put you over your cals, so be it, enjoy the food and get on track the next day

this.

its hard to make it a lifestyle change when you over think things constantly.


that said, I look for more protein, not fried.. and not tons of empty carbs....

paintlisapurple

Usually some sort of chicken or fish with vegetable dish and a salad with just vinegar (no croutons or anything like that). Sometimes we have to have a bit of what we want and not what we need this is when to order anything that looks appealing to you and eat half...bring the other half home for a quick lunch to have another day.
Have a good time! :flowerforyou:

JamCubeChi

Bumping for replies later!

carriempls

I look at the menu and make the best choice. I don't think there's one thing available at every restaurant that I consider "safe".

Being vegetarian, I don't go to steak houses or typical american restaurants. That leaves out most chains as well. And there are so many local options here, I'm not a fan of chains anyway.

In general if looking to cut calories you can avoid anything deep-fried, look for steamed or grilled, get sauces and dressing on the side, look for entrees that are mostly veggies, if I'm eating asian, I'll go easy on the rice, if italian, I'll go for tomato-based versus cream-based sauces, stuff like that.

And I'll often split what I'm eating with someone or take half of it home.

Lkoblara

baked fish with steamed or grilled veggies or a salad with grilled chicken (my trick is to use salsa instead of dressing.)

usually water or iced tea (unsweetened) to drink.

Gidzmo

I'm going out with friends tonight and plan on ordering a salad with salmon on it. Unfortunately, it is not a chain so I will just have to guess at the nutritional information. Any tips on what to order when in a restaurant? TIA!

Salad is a very good choice. However, what you put on it (toppings, dressing, etc) can add calories. Veggies and beans are good. Vinaigrette-based dressings are good (use the cream-based ones sparingly).

The salmon is good for the protein, but have it grilled or baked. Not fried, as that's more calories (from fat).

From what I've read, the salad should be mostly veggies--about 2/3 veggies and 1/3 meat.

GnochhiGnomes

The food with the lowest amount of calories on the menu, because normally when I go out the meals start at 500+ calories.

gallerygirl21

Thanks for the good advice. I picked out a few items that look healthy and are also appealing. I'm a little too new at this to be taking a break so soon, but thank you for the encouraging words!

kborton1122

I feel like a "safe food" for me is baked or grilled fish with steamed vegetables of some sort and a side/garden salad with low fat dressing.

1SlimShaylee

i usually avoid salad unless the restaurant has a fat free or low fat vinagarette. Usually I end up ordering grilled chicken or salmon. good luck and enjoy yourself!

RealWomenLovePitbulls

if i go out, i get what i want and just try to keep the portions under control. u can also type in what u plan to get here and there should be something similar to give u an idea of the calories

cavewoman15

i usually just go for a big salad with chicken or shrimp (make sure no fried meat - seriously how crazy is that). i don't skip the cheese or bacon b/c it's delicious, but i feel better about eating all the veggies and i don't have that nasty full feeling after.

oh_em_gee

A small cut of leaner steak and broccoli or veggies. I also have MFP on my bf's smartphone, so if we're at a chain I can check.

SamanthaAnnM

A house salad with dressing on the side is pretty much always a safe bet, albeit a boring one. Grilled meat or fish with a side of veggies is also a good choice.

jenluvsushi

I usually order a grilled chicken salad without the garbage and I bring my own pre-measured salad dressing. I also get burgers without the bun...usually they note the weight for the patties.

anberlingasm

I order whatever I want to eat when I eat out. I don't do it often, so I don't worry about the calories. I log as accurately as I can when I get home and if I'm over, I work harder the next day.

Brandicaloriecountess

I try to go to places that have a low cal section. Famous Dave's has yummy stuff

lizziebeth1028

If I'm trying to be good I'll go with the grilled chicken, baked potato with a side of cottage cheese and some veggies...wash down with a glass of wine. If it one of those time I just don't care....penne pasta with vodka sauce, tossed house salad and lot's of crusty yummy bread dipped in olive oil topped with parmesan cheese....wash down with a martini!!!

gogospice

I work my butt off at the gym that day, and then treat myself (within moderation) But if I'm going to burn 800-1200 calories, you'd better believe I'm going to enjoy eating those calories back!

rmhand

Grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp. Salad, or a complex carb (sweet potatoes are becoming very popular), and a roasted or steamed veggie. Ask for no bread basket and dressing on the side.

MindyG150

Just stay away from all dressings! They are a calorie KILLER! Try balsamic vinegar, or take your own.