Restaurants

JulsDiane
JulsDiane Posts: 349 Member
edited September 23 in Food and Nutrition
Why is it that most restaurant chains give you no nutritional guidelines on their websites? All fast food places do. I understand the concept that different chefs may prepare things differently however a recipe at a national chain should be the same. Whenever you eat someone else's cooking you can't be 100% accurate on the values since you just don't know the small things they may have added but at least give us some sort of basic guideline. And isn't that supposed to be required by the FDA as of this year??

Just venting :grumble:

Replies

  • Jasdramaqueen
    Jasdramaqueen Posts: 55 Member
    It is really difficult I agree but if the menu provides no info, just go with your sensibilities...you know a salad is going to be better than a pizza, jacket potato better than chips! I find it really difficult to order healthily in restaurants as I think going out to eat is a treat and shouldn't be restrictive BUT it's about making the right choices and not depriving yourself. Good luck!
  • aimibean
    aimibean Posts: 243
    In some restaurants, if you ask for the nutritional information, they often have a leaflet they can give you.
  • My3Rayz
    My3Rayz Posts: 373
    I know certain restaurants (Applebee's, Chili's) have lower cal options on the menu and they give the nutritional info. It's difficult to go out to eat when you're trying to be healthy and stay within a certain calorie count. Use your best judgement. Some people have suggested eating before you go out and just finding something to "nibble" to be social.
  • StinaKay
    StinaKay Posts: 2
    I know these are not high society places to eat but, IHOP and Village Inn have included their calories on the menu now. Most places have the calories posted only for their "healthy" food options. Good luck!
  • 1983Miller
    1983Miller Posts: 89 Member
    My best freebie find to date. I was afraid to dine out because I was terrible at making good choices dining out. This website rocks, pick your restaurant, choose up to 25 items from their online menu print and take with you so you can make the wise choice quickly off the menu without pondering and being the last to decide. I went to Olive Garden and stayed under 600 calories, ate a light lunch and a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast to save up for the extra calories. This site helped me plan and prepare I am no longer afraid to dine out!

    http://www.fastfood.com/nutrition/
  • thefreemans28
    thefreemans28 Posts: 267 Member
    Something I have found that REALLY helps me when I know that I will be going out to eat is this....

    The day that we are going out I get online and look up the restaurants menu. If there are no nutritional facts on the website, I put the restaurants name into MFP and compare the nutritional facts on MFP. Then I choose the most sensible menu item. By the time I get to restaurant, I don't even have to look at the menu (in turn having to look at the pictures of the delicious chicken fingers and french fries!) and I have thought about what I am having and am excited to have it before I even get there.
  • JulsDiane
    JulsDiane Posts: 349 Member
    Thanks for everyone's replies. FYI, eating out isn't a luxury option for me, it's a necessity. I travel for work 1-2 weeks a month. When I am by myself i have much more control but about half the time I have coworkers with me. This week I will have one coworker and my boss with me. That is wherein the challenge lies. I frankly only eat out when I am home a few times a month because I have to eat out so much on the road.

    Great link, thank you. That should help tremendously.
  • hjy319
    hjy319 Posts: 269 Member
    I've found the Calorie King book to be very helpful too, its small enough to fit in most purses and they also have resources on the web.
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