Eating out

Depends where you go and if you're tracking macros or not. At Pizza Express there are a few pizzas under 800 calories! So if you didn't have a starter you could get away with a whole pizza!

I also look up info on-line. This helps me make better choices. 'cause it's easier not to eat 500 calories than to work them off!
On the occasion when I do go somewhere, and I know the calories are going to go over, I just make the best decision I can and move on. Life is going to happen and if I have to have a day or two setback, then I don't worry over it too much. I always just try to do my best. This is a lifestyle change and the weight will come off in time. Just like it was put on. Like everyone says. We all want the fastest progress but not at the cost of falling off the wagon just because we were too hard on ourselves... Good luck on your journey!

I think its a good idea to have a check on the app to see what kind of calorie count on your pre-diet/new eating regime choices - that certainly made me change my mind!!
I'm in the UK, and found that the weight management part of the NHS (National Health Service) website helpful as it gives pointers on making more informed choices, like avoiding cheese loaded dishes and sauces etc, when eating out.
I am treated once a week to a meal out and its usually an indian meal in a local pub, so I have the chickpea korma, plain rice, one small naan bread and give my poppodom to my friend! We split a starter too which helps no end.
I have asked restaurants/eateries to exchange chips (British chips not crisps!) for a large salad which, because I ask politely, has never been refused.
I stick to sparkling mineral water, or soda water and lime, which fools me I'm having a fizzy drink - I used to drink a couple of litres of Coca Cola/Pepsi a week and now find it far too sweet, and just have a small bowl of sorbet or ice cream for pudding.
Again, like 3laine75, if you are only only going very occasionally treat yourself once in a while!
Hope this helps - if you want me to send you the NHS Eating Out link, let me know

My go to dish at an Italian restaurant is Tagliata. That's rare steak sliced thinly served over rocket salad with some parmesan shavings. Osso bucco (braised veal shanks) should be okay too. Either would be under 400 which leaves room for a side of grilled veg.

I find eating out near impossible. I try to look up calorie content ahead of time. Otherwise, it can be a real shocker!

DEFINITELY, check the website first! Almost all chains either have the info on their website or it's on MFP in the database. If this restaurant doesn't have nutrituion, you might even email them to ask about the information. I've done this and gotten a reply!

If there's nothing that's in your calorie range, order an entree that's say, 1,200 calories, and ask the waittress to bring a box WITH THE MEAL. Put half in the box and voila!, you have dinner for tomorrow night. With a 600 calorie entree, that leaves room for a salad with light dressing and maybe a snack later.

I find it really helps me stay on track to plan ahead.

Good luck!

When I go out, I enjoy myself and don't worry about it. One meal does not make much difference in the overall scheme of things.

This!! I go out once a week with my wife the only thing I do that day is get a good workout in, eat a little lighter at breakfast and lunch and then enjoy the heck out of some good food wherever we decide to go.... Best of Luck

I haven't been doing this too long, but here's what usually works for me. I tend to eat about half of my entree and take the other half home and make sure I have a salad or broth-based soup to fill up. It's still a lot of calories, but that should fall under 800...

When I go out, I enjoy myself and don't worry about it. One meal does not make much difference in the overall scheme of things.

This!! I go out once a week with my wife the only thing I do that day is get a good workout in, eat a little lighter at breakfast and lunch and then enjoy the heck out of some good food wherever we decide to go.... Best of Luck

This is my approach also! If I go to restaurant I order what I want and enjoy every last bite!

Most dishes at a restaurant are going to have 1000 or more... so I would definitely box up half of it right away. See if you can find the nutrition info online first before going out. Some places have healthy options marked on the menu. When in doubt get grilled chicken or fish with a side of veggies.

like some of the others are saying, you ought to allow yourself some indulgences. eat at a greater deficit the day before/after an indulgence day, and/or work out 15-30 minutes longer. if you're still on track weekly, one daily spike in calories isn't going to take you off track.

My go to (if I'm cutting and eating out a lot) at a restaurant is a salad with meat or a grilled chicken or fish dish.

If it's a once a month thing when you eat out, have what you want! One day won't derail your progress.

I ate at Olive Garden last Thursday. For 290 calories I had the lunch size portion of Veinetian Apricot Chicken with Broccoli and Asparagus, then I had the salad with no crouton and dressing on the side so I could dip my fork in. The whole things was filling and less than 400 calories. Salads can be some of the worst restaurant choices. You need to check them out carefully, especially dressings, croutons, cheese. Italian doesn't have to mean pasta, subs, and pizza. Chicken Marsala, shrimp dishes, mussels, other seafood. Yum!