A good tip when you go out to eat

esy1024
esy1024 Posts: 28 Member
in Food and Nutrition
This worked out really well for me. The other night we went out for dinner at Chili's. I normally get a salad, but really wanted something different. I went online, and looked up their nutritional guide, and was shocked to see that my favorite salad was over 1200 calories without dressing! So i skimmed the menu, and picked the ones that were under 600 cals. I knew exactly what I was going to order, before I even got there, so I wasn't tempted to get anything else.

Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,976 Member
    For me and my wife, it's about sharing the entree. Save money and calories.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
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    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • TimeForMe99
    TimeForMe99 Posts: 309
    Great tip. Those salads can really get you - especially when they have cheese and tortilla strips on them. I like to do this well in advance because I'm really mobile. And isn't nice to discover something that isn't as "bad" as you thought?

    I've found my own method for keeping this info close at hand. I look up the chain menu and find appropriate choices then I add them to "My Foods". If the dish is already in the database (and is accurate *eye roll*) select "Edit" and then save - or make any changes you wish like dressings, half order, whatever. Next time you go to that restaurant your mini-menu will be available to you and you won't need to go through the whole menu or database.

    This was particularly helpful for SaladWorks and Chipotle, where the dishes are customized. Saves estimating and holding up the line while I ponder which dressing or sauce is best.
  • minkakross
    minkakross Posts: 687 Member
    Sharing is totally the new way to eat out with our family. If hubby and I can't agree on something to split, I split with one or two of the kids; depending on the place to eat sometimes one entree feeds all four of us.
  • marie_2454
    marie_2454 Posts: 881 Member
    I always look up calories before I go eat anywhere. I don't always get the healthiest option, but I at least know the calorie counts before hand.
  • dsjohndrow
    dsjohndrow Posts: 1,820 Member
    Always a smart move. What did you order? I find Chili's one of the toughest places to go.
  • dsjohndrow
    dsjohndrow Posts: 1,820 Member
    The best trick is to order kid's meal for take out! Plenty of food, and send your kid into pick it up!
  • eyeshuh
    eyeshuh Posts: 333
    Saw this tip recently: Ask for a to go container ahead of time, and then put half of your meal away as soon as you get it! That way you have portion control from the start and aren't staring at your plate after wanting to eat the rest! :)
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    good ones,,, as long as i do not have to share my drink.
  • jakidb
    jakidb Posts: 1,010 Member
    Those online nutrition guides (for restaurants) are AWESOME :)
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    When I go out to eat, I just order whatever. My husband and I rarely go out to eat anyway, and one meal won't destroy what I have been doing the past few months.
  • happypath101
    happypath101 Posts: 534
    That's a great idea. Another good one is to ask the server what's healthy on the menu. Oftentimes, they're eating there all the time and watching their weight as well. So, they can give you some good tips. I've even gotten something "off the menu" that was delicious and healthy. (E.g. baked chicken breast, steamed veggies, and brown rice.)
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    Eating out is often about finding the hidden calories and avoiding them.

    Avoid appetizers and order your food with your beverage. The less time you spend looking at a menu, the less temptations you can succumb to. Many chains now have their menu's and nutritional information online. Read up before you go!

    Here is how I normally handle salads: I replace the salad dressings with salsa and ask for no croutons or cheese. By doing this you eliminate most of the hidden calories. Salsa may be high in sodium... but I'll take the sodium over the fat and carbs any day!

    For a beverage I normally stick to water or tea. Water is typically free and won't leave you with a hangover or guilty feelings.

    I use the container trick quite often as well. The average meal out contains two-three times your required content. May as well prepack lunch for tomorrow.

    Try putting your fork down between bites. It slows your food consumption and allows you to participate in the conversation.

    Drink a glass of water before your food arrives. This helps to volumnize the food in your belly as it arrives and makes you feel full sooner.

    Would love to see some other tips!
  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    This worked out really well for me. The other night we went out for dinner at Chili's. I normally get a salad, but really wanted something different. I went online, and looked up their nutritional guide, and was shocked to see that my favorite salad was over 1200 calories without dressing! So i skimmed the menu, and picked the ones that were under 600 cals. I knew exactly what I was going to order, before I even got there, so I wasn't tempted to get anything else.



    Chili's has a ton of calories. Even half one of their entrees can be over 1,000 calories.
  • ancurtis
    ancurtis Posts: 68 Member
    I always look ahead before eating out to drive what I will order. We seldom eat out and I am wheat free, so lots of different things to look out for. Salads are often some of the highest in calories and fat.
  • aminer31
    aminer31 Posts: 54 Member
    I always try to research the menu online that way I don/t even have to look at the menu and won/t choose badly.
  • chickey920
    chickey920 Posts: 8 Member
    I was there last weekend and got the mango lime chicken with broccoli. It was really good and under 600 calories!
  • esy1024
    esy1024 Posts: 28 Member
    I ordered the grilled margarita chicken. Came with rice, black beans, and pico de Galo. Picked it off the 600 Cal. or less. Water to drink, and still had calories to spare the rest of the night.:smile:

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