what to get at olive gardren?!?

r5wr
r5wr Posts: 203 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Boyfriend is taking me to olive garden for dinner, any suggestions on Wth to get to go with my losing weight? I've only ate subway today.
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Replies

  • caraiselite
    caraiselite Posts: 2,631 Member
    plain grilled protein and steamed veg or salad.

    avoid the pasta/breadsticks, and you'll be fine.
  • foraubs
    foraubs Posts: 263 Member
    http://www.olivegarden.com/menu/nutrition/

    Make an informed decision.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    What you'll enjoy and will somewhat fit your leftover calories and macros. Browse the menu online. http://www.olivegarden.com/Menu/

    Personally, I love the Ravioli di Portabella, always have, and was pretty happy to find that it's lower cal than a lot of the other menu items at 670 calories. Although the Venetian Apricot Chicken looks pretty good at only 400 calories.

    I don't go to Olive Garden often, so when I do, there's no way in hell I'm going to pass up the breadsticks. Don't care how many calories are in those suckers. I love them and will eat them.

    And I'm not going to a restaurant to have plain grilled and steamed anything. I can do that at home. If I'm paying someone else to cook it, it's gonna have a lot of flavor!

    The sodium is the big issue. Don't weigh yourself for a few days after, because you will probably retain fluid and show a temporary gain on the scale.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    see if they'll let you use a phone so you can call and make reservations at a good italian place.
  • pilotgirl2007
    pilotgirl2007 Posts: 368 Member
    Get what you want and just ask for a container to put some of it away for tomorrow. Everything in moderation : ) why shouldn't you eat something you want to have.. and this way you can have it a couple of times. I ordered the gluten free pasta and a salad last time I was there and I had enough pasta for two more dinners
  • staceybrewer
    staceybrewer Posts: 36 Member
    That's a tough one!!

    Keep it smart... Even their salad dressing is packed with fat and calories. If you can keep away from that, limit the breadsticks, and stay away from any and all pastas then you are good.

    My hubby and I ALWAYS split our food there. The portions are plenty for that!!
  • paytonOMG
    paytonOMG Posts: 33 Member
    Minestrone soup is only 100 calories a bowl! And get salad with dressing on the side:) him and his wallet wil love you!
  • Jenni3232
    Jenni3232 Posts: 5 Member
    They have all their nutrition facts on the website, but the salmon and steamed broccoli is probably the best bet. The ravioli portebella is my fave at 670 calories. The breadsticks kill though :(
  • ncsjodi
    ncsjodi Posts: 102 Member
    Their low fat salad dressing tastes IDENTICAL to their regular dressing. You have to ask for it, but it's great!
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    mixed grill! Lots of protein and veggies. Ask for a to-go box when your meal comes and put half of it away. Avoid salad & breadsticks. I promise the mixed grill will fill you up!
  • allnewellie
    allnewellie Posts: 156
    they have a garlic shrimp appetizer that is GREAT! It's a ton of shrimp, and I peel the breading off as I eat them, and still feel like I'm having a treat.

    have fun!
  • trybefan
    trybefan Posts: 488 Member
    see if they'll let you use a phone so you can call and make reservations at a good italian place.

    Beautiful.....couldnt agree more
  • RobinShay
    RobinShay Posts: 53 Member
    Get what you want, eat half and take the rest home!!
  • udallmom101
    udallmom101 Posts: 564 Member
    What you'll enjoy and will somewhat fit your leftover calories and macros. Browse the menu online. http://www.olivegarden.com/Menu/

    Personally, I love the Ravioli di Portabella, always have, and was pretty happy to find that it's lower cal than a lot of the other menu items at 670 calories. Although the Venetian Apricot Chicken looks pretty good at only 400 calories.

    I don't go to Olive Garden often, so when I do, there's no way in hell I'm going to pass up the breadsticks. Don't care how many calories are in those suckers. I love them and will eat them.

    And I'm not going to a restaurant to have plain grilled and steamed anything. I can do that at home. If I'm paying someone else to cook it, it's gonna have a lot of flavor!

    The sodium is the big issue. Don't weigh yourself for a few days after, because you will probably retain fluid and show a temporary gain on the scale.

    I second all that above. I say if you are going to go out for dinner, enjoy yourself. Drink a lot of water, and smaller portions. Get a to-go container the minute they bring you the food. Put half of it away, then eat what is left on your plate.
  • joypeaceloveall
    joypeaceloveall Posts: 34
    The pasta e fagiol soup is low calorie. I usually get that. They have free refills on the soup, so I usually have 2 bowls.
  • TriThreat
    TriThreat Posts: 313
    MY ORDER -

    I usually get the chicken alfredo and only eat half the bowl :smile:

    and GET ZOUPA TUSCANA instead of salad! you can have a whole bowl of soup for like 300 cals and the salad is WAY more!!
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    Eat whatever you want. Enjoy a meal out once in a while without worrying about calories. One meal now and then won't hurt your long-term goals.
  • MissyBenj
    MissyBenj Posts: 186 Member
    They have an apricot chicken plate - I get that without the sauce. Delicious!!
  • ajones1227
    ajones1227 Posts: 180 Member
    What you'll enjoy and will somewhat fit your leftover calories and macros. Browse the menu online. http://www.olivegarden.com/Menu/

    Personally, I love the Ravioli di Portabella, always have, and was pretty happy to find that it's lower cal than a lot of the other menu items at 670 calories. Although the Venetian Apricot Chicken looks pretty good at only 400 calories.

    I don't go to Olive Garden often, so when I do, there's no way in hell I'm going to pass up the breadsticks. Don't care how many calories are in those suckers. I love them and will eat them.

    And I'm not going to a restaurant to have plain grilled and steamed anything. I can do that at home. If I'm paying someone else to cook it, it's gonna have a lot of flavor!

    The sodium is the big issue. Don't weigh yourself for a few days after, because you will probably retain fluid and show a temporary gain on the scale.
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    The simple question "what to get at olive garden?". Has the simple answer "directions to a real Italian restaurant."
  • ajones1227
    ajones1227 Posts: 180 Member
    What you'll enjoy and will somewhat fit your leftover calories and macros. Browse the menu online. http://www.olivegarden.com/Menu/

    Personally, I love the Ravioli di Portabella, always have, and was pretty happy to find that it's lower cal than a lot of the other menu items at 670 calories. Although the Venetian Apricot Chicken looks pretty good at only 400 calories.

    I don't go to Olive Garden often, so when I do, there's no way in hell I'm going to pass up the breadsticks. Don't care how many calories are in those suckers. I love them and will eat them.

    And I'm not going to a restaurant to have plain grilled and steamed anything. I can do that at home. If I'm paying someone else to cook it, it's gonna have a lot of flavor!

    The sodium is the big issue. Don't weigh yourself for a few days after, because you will probably retain fluid and show a temporary gain on the scale.
    I agree 100%
  • jd5351
    jd5351 Posts: 116 Member
    I usually get the Ravioli di Portabello..It's filling and reasonable on calories.

    Skip the breadsticks..While they are yummy, they're close to 200 calories each! EEK!
  • todietfor
    todietfor Posts: 48
    something from the gluten-free menu seems like best bet http://www.olivegarden.com/Menu/Gluten-Allergen/
  • hillbillyannie
    hillbillyannie Posts: 139 Member
    Definitely salad but they will add their house dressing if you don't tell them to leave it off. It's an oil vinagrette. Maybe a little soup or a small entre. Try not to eat the pasta or heavy sauces loaded with calories, oil and salt. And remember you don't have to eat it all today-get a togo box. Have fun!
  • cmjolley1912
    cmjolley1912 Posts: 2
    I used to eat the Tour of Italy, salad to start and breadsticks, raspberry lemonade and of course the cheesecake at the end. No wonder I'm over 100 lbs overweight now. x
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    I used to eat the Tour of Italy, salad to start and breadsticks, raspberry lemonade and of course the cheesecake at the end. No wonder I'm over 100 lbs overweight now. x

    I get a similar dinner when I go. I'm still losing weight. The key is that I don't eat like that every day.
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    Food.....just get water and you should be fine
  • Irish_eyes75
    Irish_eyes75 Posts: 475
    You should be on their website reading the nutritional values on all the dishes and working into your day. If you want my honest opinion I'd say get the lasagna because it's awesome...but really it's up to you to do the research and planning.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    According to many MFPers, it doesn't really matter what you get...

    ...just as long as you get it in moderation.

    But personally, I'd get the Mixed Grill (and skip the breadsticks/pasta).
  • Lizzym911
    Lizzym911 Posts: 301 Member
    I was always afraid to go eat there but my family wanted to go and so we went and i was shocked at how many calories everything had ,but i found the parmesan crusted tilapia with angel hair pasta and veggies was delish and like 590 calories. or theres a herb grilled salmon

    Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
    Oven-baked delicate white fish crusted with parmesan cheese. Served with Italian vegetables over angel hair tossed in a light garlic-butter sauce. 590 cal.


    Herb-Grilled Salmon
    Salmon filet brushed with Italian herbs and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with seasoned broccoli. 510 cal.

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