Homemade vs resturaunt meals?

RichGebs
RichGebs Posts: 345
edited September 26 in Food and Nutrition
ok so this week I have eaten out ever night for dinner so far, but I've had either a grilled chicken sandwich or a grilled chicken salad each time. Does it make it unhealthier to have those meals out at a resturaunt than homemade? Or is it all somewhat healthy?

Replies

  • RichGebs
    RichGebs Posts: 345
    .
  • Janworkingitout
    Janworkingitout Posts: 434 Member
    Sodium is usually highter in restaurant prepared foods. This can make a huge difference, too much sodium can hinder weight loss!
  • lil_missfit
    lil_missfit Posts: 565 Member
    probably not that bad.....the issue would be sodium....careful, careful, careful:))
  • NikkiJ17
    NikkiJ17 Posts: 295
    Depends on how it is prepared at the restaurant. At home you know exactly what's in it and how it is prepared. So I guess what I'm saying is, if you know how it's prepared or can have it made to order then it should be about the same.
  • RichGebs
    RichGebs Posts: 345
    I've been at about 1500-2000mg of sodium per day so I'm ok there
  • babydoll1582
    babydoll1582 Posts: 3 Member
    They usually put a lot more oil and marinades on the chicken in a restaurant. Most of which has lots of sugar or calories in it. It helps if you ask for no butter on the bun because it is usually grilled with butter or oil. It also depends on what dressing you are using. I used to work in a restaurant and our balsamic vinaigrette had more calories then ranch dressing.
  • Taylor521
    Taylor521 Posts: 48 Member
    Sodium is usually highter in restaurant prepared foods. This can make a huge difference, too much sodium can hinder weight loss!

    are you saying sodium slows down how fast you burn fat?

    you know it causes you to retain water right? which isnt the same as gaining weight
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    More than likely you've eaten a ton more sodium than you would have for home cooked meals. Most restaurants and fast food chains use chicken that is either injected and/or brined so that it retains it's juiciness in the high heat and/or fast food kitchen environment. Whereas a single serving of chicken breast at home probably has around 75mg of sodium, a single chicken breast from a restaurant can have anywhere from 300-500mg of sodium, depending on the size and what other seasonings they put on it. You can also control how it's cooked at home e.g. On a grill or in a pan w/no oil. But most restaurants tend to use some sort of oil with almost any protein they cook, so you're likely to get additional fats and calories from that.

    So, while the chicken would probably be a better choice over some of the other restaurant offerings, it's always best (and cheaper) to just buy your own and cook them at home. :)
  • MelissaL582
    MelissaL582 Posts: 1,422 Member
    Higher at restaurants for sure! No matter where you eat out at, it's healthier to eat at home. This way you know what's in it. :wink:
  • JEK717
    JEK717 Posts: 1,497
    Definitely healthier at home. Like everyone said you know what is in it, how much is in it and there is a lot less sodium. Who knows what they actually put in their food but you can make it at home and even substitute some of the bad stuff.
  • gatedialer
    gatedialer Posts: 149 Member
    I don't eat at restaurants as much anymore. I feel more comfortable eating food I prepared rather than some stranger. Now, when I plan for a big workout, I will eat at restaurants where I can get a hold of their menu's nutritional information, but this is rare as I am on a tight budget. :-/
  • KickassYas
    KickassYas Posts: 397 Member
    Sodium is usually highter in restaurant prepared foods. This can make a huge difference, too much sodium can hinder weight loss!

    are you saying sodium slows down how fast you burn fat?

    you know it causes you to retain water right? which isnt the same as gaining weight

    when your sodium content is higher your metabolism will start to slow and that does mean you're going to burn fat slower. sodium isn't good for you in general. however, when you take in mass amounts of it (over 2500 daily) you are causing stress on your blood pressure.

    something to consider :)
  • Taylor521
    Taylor521 Posts: 48 Member
    Sodium is usually highter in restaurant prepared foods. This can make a huge difference, too much sodium can hinder weight loss!

    are you saying sodium slows down how fast you burn fat?

    you know it causes you to retain water right? which isnt the same as gaining weight

    when your sodium content is higher your metabolism will start to slow and that does mean you're going to burn fat slower. sodium isn't good for you in general. however, when you take in mass amounts of it (over 2500 daily) you are causing stress on your blood pressure.

    something to consider :)

    is the direct cause of a slower metabolism from sodium the higher blood pressure?

    i think people over react to the effects of sodium
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