Restaurant Help!

karamae

What do you do when you go to a restaurant and they don't have any healthy options? I mean, they have salads, but they either have loads of crap on them or meat, which I don't eat. They do have a crusted Salmon option served with rice - that seems like the best option but even that isn't great. Any ideas?

preaser

Get what I want and try to exercise portion control. Or get a salad and have the dressing put on the side. Try to enjoy the meal knowing I'll be exercising later on in the day.

StarkLark

I ask for a plain piece of grilled chicken (or two if they are small) and a side of steamed veggies with no butter. You can almost always get them to bring you something healthy if you go off-menu.

All that stuff on the menu is back there in the kitchen, most of it without sauces etc. You just have to ask for it. Good luck!

karamae

I already ran before work and lifted a little which gives me about 1000 calories for dinner. The problem is, I just restarted my diet and am trying so hard not to cheat because when I do, I go all out. So trying to stick to the program. I think I'll ask for a basic salad and grilled chicken, I just feel bad asking for something not on the menu! Thanks for the help!

Lina4Lina

I'm different because I don't eat what most chain restaurants would serve so I often make my own dish. Basically, look at what sides are offered, see if there is any way to modify and then order what I want.

Elainejk21

If I do get more than a basic salad, I usually order it without cheese or nuts, since those are the most caloric. Can you add shrimp or salmon to your salad? And dressing on the side, always!

Molly_Maguire

I ask for a plain piece of grilled chicken (or two if they are small) and a side of steamed veggies with no butter. You can almost always get them to bring you something healthy if you go off-menu.

All that stuff on the menu is back there in the kitchen, most of it without sauces etc. You just have to ask for it. Good luck!

^^This is genius. If you don't eat meat, though, just ask for the same thing, just swap the chicken out for a grilled tuna or salmon fillet.

rose313

Every restaurant (well, almost) has a garden salad, sometimes with grilled chicken. If they have lettuce and a couple other toppings, they can make you a salad.

smboston

Most restaurants are very conscious about helping people who are trying to eat more healthy. Ask the wait staff and they will sometimes give you some options.

I have a favorite restaurant that definitely does not have the healthiest menu. I mentioned to the server that I was working on losing weight. She offered options to make the dish I wanted more healthy. She even knew the weight watchers points.

Good luck!

terrie_k

Have a snack before you go. By time you are there a garden salad (dressing on side) might be filling enough. This way you can still be social without messing up the diet. Lots of water or tea too!!

karamae

Thanks everyone! I should clarify, I will eat chicken and salmon, just not red meat, pork, most seafood etc. I'll ask for a plain salad with either salmon or chicken. GREAT idea! I appreciate all the help!

chrisyoung0422

Don't be the dinner table bummer. Go all out. Kill that menu. Order it up! Then adjust the follwoing day with a lower intake to makeup for the splurge. If you have an issue with control atleast adjust for it. Helps to soften the blow a little.

karamae

Good call on lowering cals the next day. I'm in a $100 challenge with a friend for weight loss and I don't want to lose! But maybe I will eat a little off if I have to and adjust tomorrow. Thanks for the tip! Hadn't thought of that.

MTBrob

Don't be the dinner table bummer. Go all out. Kill that menu. Order it up! Then adjust the follwoing day with a lower intake to makeup for the splurge. If you have an issue with control atleast adjust for it. Helps to soften the blow a little.

This is FAIL .. WHat others have said is exactly what I do ..

jenlarz

If you're going to a chain restaurant, most have nutrtion facts on websites so you can plan on what you want to order

karamae

it was a local brewery and I had salmon, with salad and spicy rice which was so yummy. I still have 322 calories for the night! I think I did pretty well...thanks for all the advice!