Need Help - Going to Dinner Tonite

BeachBum4715 · March 2014

I'm going out to dinner tonite with friends and I need help making the best choice. I've previewed the menu but no nutritional values are value. I've narrowed choices down to:

Pasta Primavera w/Fettucine
Baked Stuffed Scrod w/Lemon Butter

They have veal and capon, but both are pan-fried. And a Cordon Bleu capon which I think will drive up the calories. They of course have the usual beef as well (filet mignon, delmonico, sirloin, and prime rib).

I don't eat much fish and I never prepare beef for myself at home. I'm guessing beef is too high in calories.

Is the best choice the pasta? I know it also depends on sides as well. I'm not sure what the Baked Scrod is served with.

Of course, I plan to take 1/2 home of whatever I get because I know the portions will be more than a single serving. But any advise, opinions?

3laine75 · March 2014

Not sure what your goals/macros are so I don't know what's best for you.

No way I'd go for the pasta though - it'd be fish or steak and just log what you'd think they'd fry it in (I use maybe 2g olive oil at home but I'd allow for 10g at a restaurant just I case.

It's a lot harder to guesstimate what's in a pasta - all that cream, fat, sugar or whatever in the sauce.

My homemade carbonara is 1600 for a half portion and bolognaise 800 for a half portion and I know what goes in that!

caroldavison332 · March 2014

I'd ask for broiled or baked protein, twice the veg and eliminate the pasta. A little cream sauce on the veg is okay. A see pasta as worthless calories. Also ask them to bring a takeaway container with your entree. When your entree arrives immediately cut it in half and package it up before eating and set it aside for take home.

liftsforchocolate · March 2014

I think the scrod is a much better option. You could ask for extra veg and light butter. If you're only eating half of it, I don't think it'll be too bad though. Might as well enjoy

BrainyBurro · March 2014

I'm going out to dinner tonite with friends and I need help making the best choice. I've previewed the menu but no nutritional values are value. I've narrowed choices down to:

Pasta Primavera w/Fettucine
Baked Stuffed Scrod w/Lemon Butter

They have veal and capon, but both are pan-fried. And a Cordon Bleu capon which I think will drive up the calories. They of course have the usual beef as well (filet mignon, delmonico, sirloin, and prime rib).

I don't eat much fish and I never prepare beef for myself at home. I'm guessing beef is too high in calories.

Is the best choice the pasta? I know it also depends on sides as well. I'm not sure what the Baked Scrod is served with.

Of course, I plan to take 1/2 home of whatever I get because I know the portions will be more than a single serving. But any advise, opinions?

which one do you like more?

there's your answer.

no one day or one dinner out is going to affect your long term goals. life is still meant to be enjoyed and eating delicious food is part of that enjoyment. make your best guess and log it. if you need/want to do a little extra cardio today or tomorrow to offset the calories and that makes you feel better, then do so. otherwise, don't over think this too much. that leads you down a dark path in how you think about food and you don't want to go there.

just have fun and enjoy your dinner out. :happy:

Dat311010 · March 2014

Hi, why don´t you just ask for a plate of vegetables? Or have a salad with some type of protein (tuna, egg) and a tablespoon of oil?

gypsy_spirit · March 2014

I'm going out to dinner tonite with friends and I need help making the best choice. I've previewed the menu but no nutritional values are value. I've narrowed choices down to:

Pasta Primavera w/Fettucine
Baked Stuffed Scrod w/Lemon Butter

They have veal and capon, but both are pan-fried. And a Cordon Bleu capon which I think will drive up the calories. They of course have the usual beef as well (filet mignon, delmonico, sirloin, and prime rib).

I don't eat much fish and I never prepare beef for myself at home. I'm guessing beef is too high in calories.

Is the best choice the pasta? I know it also depends on sides as well. I'm not sure what the Baked Scrod is served with.

Of course, I plan to take 1/2 home of whatever I get because I know the portions will be more than a single serving. But any advise, opinions?

which one do you like more?

there's your answer.

no one day or one dinner out is going to affect your long term goals. life is still meant to be enjoyed and eating delicious food is part of that enjoyment. make your best guess and log it. if you need/want to do a little extra cardio today or tomorrow to offset the calories and that makes you feel better, then do so. otherwise, don't over think this too much. that leads you down a dark path in how you think about food and you don't want to go there.

just have fun and enjoy your dinner out. :happy:

That is just the perfect answer. :drinker:

brandiegirl16 · March 2014

Restaurants will ALWAYS give you at least a 2 or more size portion of food no matter what you order.Order what you want, it is only one night .. it isn't the end all be all. Portion control is what is going to help you succeed in this lifestyle, so.. moderation, don't overindulge.

a little "portion control" trick i use when going out to dinner. Always ask for a to go contain with your meal when you order. As soon as your food arrives, cut everything down by half.. and store it in the box... put it away, out of sight out of mind. If it isn't staring at you, you won't eat it. You can still enjoy your meal, but you are being accountable for your choices by using portion control. Then you have a lunch/dinner for tomorrow, and you can lose the guilt and regret of "i can't believe i ate all that".

hope this was helpful.

littleburgy · March 2014

I'd probably go for the Scrod. I tend to find meat dishes a little more satisfying than carby pasta ones. You can always ask what it's served with and get substitutes if the sides aren't something you'd like.

Lesa_Sass · March 2014

If it were me, I would be going for the baked scrod. Pasta has a wicked amount of calories for the serving sizes you typically get in a restaurant. You can also make it at home for 50 cents.

Do not be scared to ask questions. I like to get veggies on the side but sometimes find they are oozing with butter. I also ask for dressing on the side when I get a salad because dressings can be high in calories and I do not like my salad swimming in the stuff. I typically like half the amount of dressing they serve on a salad anyway.

As far as eating what you want when you go out, I am going to agree and disagree with that one. Making better choices on a daily basis is what is best for us. I go out to eat a lot, so I am not going to throw caution to the wind every time I eat out, I am going to make a good choice because to me, a good quality life is a series of good choices. Now on occasions like my birthday and wedding anniversary, I will throw down on a 3000 calorie meal, no problem. Those are special occasions that I am working so hard for every other day of my life, to enjoy with those I love.

So if this is a special occasion with loved ones then eat drink and be merry. If you are just going out, then yes, make the right choices that you will feel good about tomorrow.

imacowgirl2 · March 2014

Protein over pasta, if you like both equally well. Otherwise, get your favorite. Either way, get a to-go box when your meal is brought and divide it in half (or sometimes even put 2/3 in the box) and get it out of sight, out of mind. Then you can eat and enjoy time with your friends without constantly worrying about if you've eaten too much. As a bonus, you then get to enjoy the same meal you love one (or two) more times.

wahmx3 · March 2014

Totally agree, one dinner isn't going to make that much of a difference! Drink lots of water with your meal and for the next day or two as well. Stick with meat or fish and plenty of veggies.

I'm going out to dinner tonite with friends and I need help making the best choice. I've previewed the menu but no nutritional values are value. I've narrowed choices down to:

Pasta Primavera w/Fettucine
Baked Stuffed Scrod w/Lemon Butter

They have veal and capon, but both are pan-fried. And a Cordon Bleu capon which I think will drive up the calories. They of course have the usual beef as well (filet mignon, delmonico, sirloin, and prime rib).

I don't eat much fish and I never prepare beef for myself at home. I'm guessing beef is too high in calories.

Is the best choice the pasta? I know it also depends on sides as well. I'm not sure what the Baked Scrod is served with.

Of course, I plan to take 1/2 home of whatever I get because I know the portions will be more than a single serving. But any advise, opinions?

which one do you like more?

there's your answer.

no one day or one dinner out is going to affect your long term goals. life is still meant to be enjoyed and eating delicious food is part of that enjoyment. make your best guess and log it. if you need/want to do a little extra cardio today or tomorrow to offset the calories and that makes you feel better, then do so. otherwise, don't over think this too much. that leads you down a dark path in how you think about food and you don't want to go there.

just have fun and enjoy your dinner out. :happy:

That is just the perfect answer. :drinker:

judykat7 · March 2014

If you like beef - go for the filet. Ask them to leave off chef's butter if there is any. Pair that with some veggie sides or a plain baked potato and you will be fine and get to eat the whole thing if it is a 6oz filet. Order what you like though, the stuffed fish might be stuffed with some high calorie stuff - never know. Enjoy your evening with friends though!

Need Help - Going to Dinner Tonite

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