Dining out has lost it's appeal..

Really? You don't want to put your progress in someone else's hands for one meal? Eat where you want, just pre-log. It's actually more empowering knowing that you can still eat at regular places and not worry. It won't be perfect, but no need to become compulsive about it. If f you can't decide, let your husband choose where he wants to go.

I know exactly what you mean. I don't mind chains, but local restaurants can be a real pain... I have to wing it a lot. I just have to remember that healthier food can be just as tasty as the stuff that has more calories... but yeah, it's just one meal. Enjoy it.

not sure if you have it around you, but if you do, try Seasons 52.

Congrats on passing the exam.

I too have been having a hard time with eating out. It's easier to log accurately when you can measure and know exactly what's gone into your meal. I've relaxed a bit with the chain restaurants where you can find nutrition info online, but it still makes me uneasy when I go to someone else's home or a small local place with no calorie info.

Today my husband and I took a friend out to a local place to celebrate her birthday. The place serves Italian, Cajun, and some miscellaneous fare. My husband had a burger, my friend had chicken parmesan, and I had soup/salad with one dinner roll. I did my best at logging calories based on some generic similar items in the database. I erred I hope on the high side, just to make sure I was covered. I was satisfied with my lunch and still had a good time.

I plan to do some exercise tonight to help cushion the blow and give me a few calories back for dinner - but I'll keep it light.

I figure any "plan" that you want to work long term you're going to have to figure out how to eat out - whether that's at restaurants or other peoples homes - maybe not a ton, but enough so you can be comfortable for the long haul. Any diet where you tell yourself you CAN'T do something is one you probably won't stay with for long.

And also - where should we go out to eat?!

A NICE Steak House.

I'd go out for Korean, Thai, or sushi probably. I also like Mexican.

For me...dining out is still a fun thing that I enjoy and look forward to. But it's definitely changed, too. I used to go out to eat probably 6 times a week, if not more, and a lot of times it was just "meh" food. I was like many people who just go to Chick-Fil-A or Outback Steakhouse after work or with my SO...more out of habit than anything...consuming tons of calories and not enjoying it much more than a typical homemade meal (often LESS).

Now I go out to eat 1-3 times a week and I'd better freakin' LOVE it. Sometimes my husband and I plan trips/weekends and hiking excursions around specific restaurants we want to try and foods we want to indulge in. To a lot of people that is probably a weird obsession or unhealthy relationship with food...whatever ;-) We enjoy it.

Sushi! The real stuff, not the rolls with all the cream cheese and tempura stuff. Nigiri, sashimi, salmon roll. Low cal and delicious.

I only eat out once a week and that's on Sunday after I have had a morning run. Then we go get sushi and follow up with some froyo. My lunch might add up to 600 calories or so and that includes the froyo.

We eat out frequently. Probably 3 to 4 times a week. I'll echo the person above who said you have to learn to live in the real world. Don't let the fear of a stray pat of butter rule your life.

I agree, I would go somewhere special. Look at Yelp or sites like that for different restaurants in your area. I love trying new foods while out.....enjoy, don't stuff yourself, take your leftovers home for lunch the next day. And congratulations on your exam!