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What to order at italian restaurant

MaryKatU
MaryKatU Posts: 146
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I am going to an italian restaurant this Saturday for my father in law's birthday and there is no nutritional information for the menu. I don't know what I should order. I don't mind going ove my calories a little but I don't want to blow it. Any ideas on what I should eat that wouldn't be too high in calories?

Replies

  • Smittyinthesun
    Smittyinthesun Posts: 120
    Chicken and spaghetti with marinara, salad ( easy on the dressing) no bread sticks.

    Or hit the gym and burn some extra calories before you go !
  • whateverdamnit
    whateverdamnit Posts: 130
    If there's a salad, I would probably go for that.. everything else will be smothered in cheese, oil and sauces.
  • kevlynm
    kevlynm Posts: 5 Member
    When I go to my favorite Italian place I always get the Spaghetti Pomodoro, which is basically spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and basil.

    Make sure to avoid the bread! Op for a glass of red wine instead :)

    I also only eat half of what I'm served and save the rest for lunch the next day.
  • Sirenism
    Sirenism Posts: 100 Member
    Remember that it's okay to have food left on your plate. That is one of my biggest issues when eating anywhere, including home. I was raised that, "The starving children in Africa, so finish your plate." Most servings are 2 to 3x the normal amount you should have. You can probably even ask for a salad plate or a to-go box as your meal is served.

    We recently ate at Olive Garden and I ordered the Eggplant Parmigiana, which was about 850 calories, but I only ate half of it. Anything with marinara sauce (not meat sauce) is generally a good option. Cheese filled ravioli is also lower in calorie than most. You might want to check out OG's nutrition menu since they are a Italian to kinda get a feel for a rough estimate.

    http://www.olivegarden.com/menus/garden_fare/nutrition_information.asp

    Also, don't be afraid to order from the kids/seniors menu. It just means smaller portions and more basics.
  • milaxx
    milaxx Posts: 1,122 Member
    Start with a salad, no cheese, no crouton, oil & vinegar dressing, then get a pasta with protein like chicken if you eat it. just eat that whole salad first. get a red sauce, no cream sauces. This will fill you up. If you are like me you'll only be able to eat half your pasta dish. Get a seltzer with lime to drink. if you do this right, you may be able to get a small dessert,. I find skipping the cheese, croutons and bread sticks usually leaves me enough calories to eat dessert.
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