Food goals with restaurants

Michael_OR
Michael_OR Posts: 18
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi, new to MFP. Anyone have any recommendations for restaurants that you would allow you to stay within your food goals? Applebee's has their Weight Watchers menu items. Tried the Signature Sirloin with Garlic Shrimp and a side salad, worked out well for my food goals, was delicious and filling. Any other restaurant chains like that? Thanks.

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Replies

  • yiffanarff
    yiffanarff Posts: 123 Member
    Most restaurants have a garden salad on the menu with option of adding chicken breast, shrimp, steak, etc to it. That's usually my go-to if I want to make sure I don't accidentally order something that's 2000 calories. :p Not the most exiting meal, but it works.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    Typically I just order a mixed greens salad with no dressing because I can get it anywhere and I can easily estimate the calorie for lettuce and onions. But then again, I'm boring.
  • sunnyside1213
    sunnyside1213 Posts: 1,205 Member
    Most chains have nutritional info on their websites.
  • dsjohndrow
    dsjohndrow Posts: 1,820 Member
    Not too many. Best is the Tuscan Apricot at Olive Garden. Uno's has pretty much noting. Outback has the small 6oz signature special. I hate going out to eat salad. The dressings are usually pretty bad the way they bring them to the table. The killer at places like this is the bread; usually about 150 calories. sweet drinks, and pasta.
  • Domestic_Hippie
    Domestic_Hippie Posts: 108 Member
    I like Carlos O'kellys. They have a few things on their "lite" menu. Pico enchiladas, chicken fajita enchiladas and I believe fish tacos? I know that the pico enchilada with rice is approximately 350 calories for one. Not sure if everywhere has Carlos O'Kellys but I like them and Applebee's
  • PennStateChick
    PennStateChick Posts: 327 Member
    If you plan, you can figure out how to stay within your goals almost anywhere. I have meals for Hoss's, Red Robin, Longhorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Applebee's, TGIFridays, Ruby Tuesdays, Taco Bell, etc.....

    Now, it isn't always something I would eat everyday, but I can always stay under calories. I assume that's your goal with your original post. I am almost always over on sodium when I eat at these places, but I am still living my life and losing weight!
  • kaylinn9
    kaylinn9 Posts: 112
    I've read somewhere that making a small division in your portions is a good way to keep track. Eat about half the portion of a large meal (especially if it's already) and keep the rest for a later meal to take home (for dinner or lunch the next day). It helps me keep track of how much I'm eating.

    Log what you wanna eat before you go and do some research beforehand if you have the time or chance. Keep your phone with you (if you have a smart phone, which, if you're using MPR, i'm sure you do), you can always check the restaurant's site for additional nutrition facts.
  • fusion777
    fusion777 Posts: 197
    I know Olive Garden has their nutrition info on their site. But like someone already said, salad and add chicken or shrimp will definitely help keep the calories down. Just make sure you tell them no or very little butter and oil when they cook (even when you order veggies too, everyone wants to add butter!).

    I just worry about all the sodium the restaurants seem to add, even to things you wouldn't think would be high.

    As long as you don't eat out often, don't sweat it and enjoy! And of course, try to skip the bread and butter if you can (I always eat way more of it than I should!)
  • Michael_OR
    Michael_OR Posts: 18
    Thanks all.
  • Hanfordrose
    Hanfordrose Posts: 688 Member
    My hubbie and I like to go to Sizzler's. The calories for each meal are listed on the menu, but beware of the cheese bread that may accompany your meal. It is NOT included into the amount of calories listed for that meal. That slice of cheese bread contains more than 280 calories by itself; that is often more than the meal. Also ask for your vegetables be 'steamed' not sauteed. Oil or butter will both add calories to your veggies. The salad bar is not always safe, if you start reaching for some of the richer items.

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