Restaurant Help!

karamae
karamae Posts: 136 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
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?

Replies

  • preaser
    preaser Posts: 85 Member
    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
    StarkLark Posts: 476 Member
    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
    karamae Posts: 136 Member
    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
    Lina4Lina Posts: 712 Member
    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
    Elainejk21 Posts: 121 Member
    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
    Molly_Maguire Posts: 1,103 Member
    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
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    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
    smboston Posts: 68
    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
    terrie_k Posts: 406 Member
    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
    karamae Posts: 136 Member
    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
    chrisyoung0422 Posts: 426 Member
    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
    karamae Posts: 136 Member
    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
    MTBrob Posts: 513 Member
    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
    jenlarz Posts: 813 Member
    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
    karamae Posts: 136 Member
    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!
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