When you have to eat out..

higgins8283801
higgins8283801 Posts: 844 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am a busy busy mom. I actually had no time for lunch, until 3 and then it was just a quick snack. My kids are both active and in sports, like right now I'm at a soccer field and will leave here to head to the ball field.

Tonight will be a take out dinner and I'm just dreading it.

When you eat out, what do you get and where do you go?

Replies

  • Cortelli
    Cortelli Posts: 1,369 Member
    It sounds like you are indeed very, very busy.

    However, dreading getting to enjoy a meal that someone else prepared for you, and that maybe is something you don't really get to make at home . . . well that just feels like you're doing it wrong. IMHO, thread title should be "When you get to eat out ..."

    That said, there are usually going to be one or more options in any given type of food that will work into your macro goals. You just need to be thoughtful and exercise portion control!
  • TrailNurse
    TrailNurse Posts: 359 Member
    You can basically eat out just about any where....just order meat and veges.
  • squishprincess
    squishprincess Posts: 371 Member
    just go for things that aren't fried, get fish if they have it and veggies or a salad with no cheese/fattening dressings. it's mostly about portion control.
  • higgins8283801
    higgins8283801 Posts: 844 Member
    I am a busy busy mom. I actually had no time for lunch, until 3 and then it was just a quick snack. My kids are both active and in sports, like right now I'm at a soccer field and will leave here to head to the ball field.

    Tonight will be a take out dinner and I'm just dreading it.

    When you eat out, what do you get and where do you go?

    I am, I have to work through lunch and go in an hour earlier just to be able to get off work to take the kids to their practices. I need to start crockpoting..

    I think we are going to subway.
  • nicsflyingcircus
    nicsflyingcircus Posts: 2,861 Member
    My go to in that situation is Chick fil a. 12 count grilled nuggets and a side salad with minimal dressing or medium fruit cup. Their grilled chicken sandwiches are also good. Heck, McDonalds's lists the calories right on the drive through menu. I've got three playing sports (jv vball and club soccer) and have eaten out 5 times in the past two weeks and continue to lose steadily.
  • hoktauri
    hoktauri Posts: 24 Member
    I eat out everyday and as long as you watch the sodium and calories you're fine. I used to hit Chick Fil A all the time until I saw their sodium count, I miss my chickn minis. I couldn't do a diet where I couldn't eat out.
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    Usually I get bibimbap (Korean) or banh mi (Vietnamese) if that's an option.

    But with typical fast food chains I'll usually get:

    Steak N' Shake double steakburger, plain
    Chipotle burrito bowl with steak, rice or beans, lettuce & sour cream
    2 crunchy tacos
    veggie burger at Burger King (or Junior Whopper depending)
    Subway egg & cheese with tons of veggies on flatbread

    Mainly my M.O. is to stick with no fries, no other sides, water to drink...not too difficult.

    sometimes I'll just get Wendy's 4 chicken nuggets (180 cal) to get me by with a bit of protein and then eat a healthier meal when I get home

    Wendy's salads are the only fast food salads I like. Pretty high in sodium, but great calorie counts.
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    just go for things that aren't fried, get fish if they have it and veggies or a salad with no cheese/fattening dressings. it's mostly about portion control.

    Portion control or food restriction?
  • cheripugh1
    cheripugh1 Posts: 357 Member
    Eating out I have two rules, one get the kids meal if that is my option and if not then I save half, right away I ask for a to-go container before I take a bite, then I put 1/2 in there and save it for dinner or next days lunch! I also try to know what the places I go often offer and I have in my mind what choices I can make smartly... might get a Whopper Jr. and instead of fries get a fruit or side salad or nothing... I order meat and a salad and veggies not a baker or fries... things like that.
  • squishprincess
    squishprincess Posts: 371 Member
    just go for things that aren't fried, get fish if they have it and veggies or a salad with no cheese/fattening dressings. it's mostly about portion control.

    Portion control or food restriction?

    definitely not food restriction! most restaurants have larger than necessary portions, and if you get something like rice or potatoes or something really carby or starchy i'm sure you don't want to eat the entire thing! especially since it's probably been cooked in oils or butter or something. portion control is great going out to eat. eat all the veggies you want but you do need to portion some things and meats if they come in large orders :p
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    just go for things that aren't fried, get fish if they have it and veggies or a salad with no cheese/fattening dressings. it's mostly about portion control.

    Portion control or food restriction?

    definitely not food restriction! most restaurants have larger than necessary portions, and if you get something like rice or potatoes or something really carby or starchy i'm sure you don't to eat the entire thing! especially since it's probably been cooked in oils or butter or something. portion control is great going out to eat. eat all the veggies you want but you do need to portion some things and meats if they come in large orders :p

    Nothing wrong with butter, oil, cheese, or fattening dressings in moderation. Advising people to stay away from fat (unless medically advised) is a form of food restriction. That's why I asked you to clarify.
  • squishprincess
    squishprincess Posts: 371 Member
    just go for things that aren't fried, get fish if they have it and veggies or a salad with no cheese/fattening dressings. it's mostly about portion control.

    Portion control or food restriction?

    definitely not food restriction! most restaurants have larger than necessary portions, and if you get something like rice or potatoes or something really carby or starchy i'm sure you don't to eat the entire thing! especially since it's probably been cooked in oils or butter or something. portion control is great going out to eat. eat all the veggies you want but you do need to portion some things and meats if they come in large orders :p

    Nothing wrong with butter, oil, cheese, or fattening dressings in moderation. Advising people to stay away from fat (unless medically advised) is a form of food restriction. That's why I asked you to clarify.

    oh, i was just saying because i live in the south and they literally drench everything in butter and oil, so just used to most places doing so, lol. plus some oils are not as healthy as others.. that's just me though, avoiding butters/some oils
  • hoktauri
    hoktauri Posts: 24 Member
    Wendy's salads are the only fast food salads I like. Pretty high in sodium, but great calorie counts.

    A 4 piece nugget and a ceasar side salad with half a dressing and no croutons is a pretty good lunch.
  • brightsideofpink
    brightsideofpink Posts: 1,018 Member
    My go-tos for chain restaurants are Moe's and Chipotle. Moe's- Joey Junior as a streaker. Pile on the veggies and season with a lime wedge. Chipotle- burrito bowl with barbacoa, brown rice, and lots of veggies. You can get extra vegggies for free at both places. Skip the chips. Subway is easier to find, I tend to opt for BLT, extra lettuce, wheat bread, no mayo. Not wonderful, but could be worse. We avoid most burger places.
  • Peloton73
    Peloton73 Posts: 148 Member
    Next time you're at the soccer field waiting on the kids, look up the nutrition information at the place you want to eat before you go so you can make the proper choice before ordering.
  • marlyu
    marlyu Posts: 24 Member
    Next time you're at the soccer field waiting on the kids, look up the nutrition information at the place you want to eat before you go so you can make the proper choice before ordering.

    THIS! I'm a planner, and if you're a busy mom, I bet you're a planner and have everything scheduled out. During the day, think about places/options to eat and look up their nutrition menus online. If the restaurant itself doesn't have it listed, MFP's database from all the wonderful members is pretty well stocked. I can always find something good to eat, and yes, remember to double check the portions and only eat what fits into your daily nutrition goals.
  • SandyBVTN
    SandyBVTN Posts: 367 Member
    Usually I get bibimbap (Korean) or banh mi (Vietnamese) if that's an option.

    But with typical fast food chains I'll usually get:

    Steak N' Shake double steakburger, plain
    Chipotle burrito bowl with steak, rice or beans, lettuce & sour cream
    2 crunchy tacos
    veggie burger at Burger King (or Junior Whopper depending)
    Subway egg & cheese with tons of veggies on flatbread

    Mainly my M.O. is to stick with no fries, no other sides, water to drink...not too difficult.

    sometimes I'll just get Wendy's 4 chicken nuggets (180 cal) to get me by with a bit of protein and then eat a healthier meal when I get home

    Wendy's salads are the only fast food salads I like. Pretty high in sodium, but great calorie counts.

    Mmmmm banh mi, so good. What do you use for a calorie count for them?
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    For fast food I get a quarter pounder no cheese and a large iced tea. For regular restaurants I get grilled meat and veggies. Cracker Barrel is a place we go fairly often because it is close and convenient plus you can order to go. I get the two pork chop meal with two sides of turnip greens and a side of green beans.
  • sparacka
    sparacka Posts: 137 Member
    I love all you can eat buffets. Its always fun to compete with friends to see who can finish the most plates.

    :huh: WTH?

    You're an MFP Moderator?

    I'm missing the joke.
  • jennlemon
    jennlemon Posts: 4 Member
    i find it best to get burgers without bread or cheese, usually whatever fresh side they have and water or unsweet tea. all depends on where you go. but im a fan of chick-fil-a!
  • markink81
    markink81 Posts: 73 Member
    I can sympathize about being busy. I am not one for eating out. I like to control the food that I shove in my face so one thing that I do is pre-pack food the night before in a cooler with cold packs. This helps both my waist line and my wallet. Plus when it's time to eat I have my meals already to go! The little extra planning and work at night preparing is a pain at times but the benefits out weigh the negatives for me.
  • ghosthackexe
    ghosthackexe Posts: 181 Member
    Great now I'm hungry T.T *cries in corner*
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    I love all you can eat buffets. Its always fun to compete with friends to see who can finish the most plates.

    :huh: WTH?

    You're an MFP Moderator?

    I'm missing the joke.

    Are MFP mods not allowed to eat at buffets?
  • FeelingFroggy13
    FeelingFroggy13 Posts: 66 Member
    I live almost an hour (one-way) from work/town/grocery stores, etc. So, you can imagine, that once I am in town, I can't skip back home to grab a bite. I was running into the same problem quite often.

    My solution? I made myself a spreadsheet listing all the places that I am most likely to frequent. I went on their websites and selected two of their best options for me. I selected four or five 'sit down' places, four or five 'fast food' places and a few 'breakfast places'. I also looked up information on the best options when looking at ethnic cuisine, Mexican, Asian, Italian, etc....

    With my spreadsheet in my vehicle, it acts like my own personal menu. So instead of stressing about WHERE I am going to eat, I think about what I am in the mood to eat by looking through it. Since I have so many menu options, I don't feel like I am missing out on anything!

    It's working for me at least. Today was my 100 day milestone and I am at 35 pounds lost!
  • StrawberryJam40
    StrawberryJam40 Posts: 274 Member
    My solution? I made myself a spreadsheet listing all the places that I am most likely to frequent. I went on their websites and selected two of their best options for me. I selected four or five 'sit down' places, four or five 'fast food' places and a few 'breakfast places'. I also looked up information on the best options when looking at ethnic cuisine, Mexican, Asian, Italian, etc....

    With my spreadsheet in my vehicle, it acts like my own personal menu. So instead of stressing about WHERE I am going to eat, I think about what I am in the mood to eat by looking through it. Since I have so many menu options, I don't feel like I am missing out on anything!

    It's working for me at least. Today was my 100 day milestone and I am at 35 pounds lost!

    That is genius!

    I would only add that I would pack something in your purse for emergency so you don't go too long when you are hungry and then over indulge later. Protein bar or like the 100 calorie almond packs. On the go easy to travel in purse without being detroyed to get you by in a pinch.

    I know I get sick and crabby if I go too long without a snack or meal on a busy day. And if I get a snack in, I tend to not over eat later.
  • sparacka
    sparacka Posts: 137 Member
    I love all you can eat buffets. Its always fun to compete with friends to see who can finish the most plates.

    :huh: WTH?

    You're an MFP Moderator?

    I'm missing the joke.

    I am not joking. It is possible to consume 5,000+ calorie meals and still hit your weekly calorie/macro targets. If I am over my goal one day I just adjust my goal on others to remain on target for the week.

    I have maintained my ideal long distance running weight for over 18 months now, without once limiting my intake at a buffet.

    People need to know that you will not make or break your diet with one meal at a restaurant.

    Most of the top 10 rated professional eaters in the world are lean. Matt Stonie, and Sonya Thomas are two good examples. They exercise and adjust their eating habits to compensate for the very large meals they sometimes consume

    The OP is attempting to lose weight (one would assume by restricting calories, since she is on MFP). She stated that, as a busy mom, she eats out more often than she would like. She asked for advice on how to manage this part of her life without sabotaging her weight-loss efforts. You replied: "I love to have eating contests with friends at buffets!"

    I stand by my first post: your reply is neither helpful nor appropriate.
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    Usually I get bibimbap (Korean) or banh mi (Vietnamese) if that's an option.

    But with typical fast food chains I'll usually get:

    Steak N' Shake double steakburger, plain
    Chipotle burrito bowl with steak, rice or beans, lettuce & sour cream
    2 crunchy tacos
    veggie burger at Burger King (or Junior Whopper depending)
    Subway egg & cheese with tons of veggies on flatbread

    Mainly my M.O. is to stick with no fries, no other sides, water to drink...not too difficult.

    sometimes I'll just get Wendy's 4 chicken nuggets (180 cal) to get me by with a bit of protein and then eat a healthier meal when I get home

    Wendy's salads are the only fast food salads I like. Pretty high in sodium, but great calorie counts.

    Mmmmm banh mi, so good. What do you use for a calorie count for them?

    I just enter a few from the database and go with a mid range entry. I have banh mi maybe once every 2-3 months so I'm not too worried :-) But it's a bit frustrating not knowing for sure, I'd agree.
  • SmartForAGirl
    SmartForAGirl Posts: 28 Member
    I was shocked to find KFC to be my go-to drive thru. Sometimes I just order a variety of individually sized side items and enjoy the veggies. I am going on vacation soon. To lessen my food anxiety, I got online, pulled up menus for our favorite restaurants in the area, did my calorie counts, and planned my meals for the week. Now I can order without frantically searching the database for every item on the menu while my server hovers. I would suggest the same for fast food. Find a meal at each restaurant the family enjoys that you know you can deal with and then you don't have to panic in the drive thru.

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