Opinions about eating out

I don't meal prep, but I virtually always have leftovers from the previous night as lunch. Not sure if this would work for you.

The healthiest choice is going to depend on your personal goals (how many calories do you want to have for lunch, what is your overall calorie goal, do you have macro goals, what do you find filling, etc). When I eat out for lunch, I tend to do Chipotle (salad bowl) or a sandwich place. But, depending on your plan, you can make just about anything work.

I agree with jane -

I don't like using the word "healthy" because its meaning varies from person to person. But to the point, it's rare I can't find something on any menu that won't fit into my day. Even the oft-derided McDonalds offers a McDouble and small fry for at little over 600 calories that will serve as a decent meal on a cut.

Most places have something that isn't terribly "unhealthy" (I agree with Juggernaut, with usage of those words), but if you're looking for something large, quick and filling I tend to go to places like Freshii or Chipotle. But normally my dinner leftovers are my lunch.

juggernaut1974 wrote: »

I agree with jane -

I don't like using the word "healthy" because its meaning varies from person to person. But to the point, it's rare I can't find something on any menu that won't fit into my day. Even the oft-derided McDonalds offers a McDouble and small fry for at little over 600 calories that will serve as a decent meal on a cut.

If you don't mind starving 2 hours later, sure...

OP - basically avoid fried food, dressings, and sauces (or ask for those on the side). That's pretty much it.

Francl27 wrote: »

juggernaut1974 wrote: »

I agree with jane -

I don't like using the word "healthy" because its meaning varies from person to person. But to the point, it's rare I can't find something on any menu that won't fit into my day. Even the oft-derided McDonalds offers a McDouble and small fry for at little over 600 calories that will serve as a decent meal on a cut.

If you don't mind starving 2 hours later, sure...

OP - basically avoid fried food, dressings, and sauces (or ask for those on the side). That's pretty much it.

Why would you assume I was starving two hours later? That would be entirely an incorrect assumption on your part.

hpaq10 wrote: »

I tend to be running around a lot between jobs and school and such, I find it hard to get a good decent meal in some days. Obviously, fast food restaurants are convenient for time, but not for maintaining a healthy living status.

1) my first question is, for everyone who meal preps, what is a good food for on-the-go situations that isn't just a protein shake.
2)if found ina situation where I have to pick up food, what is the healthiest choice?

I'm not the best meal prepper, but my lunches (or fast dinners depending on the night) don't take too long to prep ahead. Depending on your situation (ie: eating at school or work?, rushing home to eat? eating in the car?) you can usually pack something healthy and not too complex. I love sandwiches and fresh veggies. They store well and are quick to put together. I like to think of bento-box meals- so grabbing portable healthy foods and putting them together as a meal/paperbag lunch-ie: a cup of cherry tomatoes, a string cheese, 3 oz of chicken breast, brocolli florets, an apple, hardboiled eggs, etc. And while they aren't the epitome of healthy choices, frozen meals (like Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine) have come in handy and are easy to track.

For eating out, I scour the nutrition info (either on the menu or on my phone) and find something that works. A side salad with a burger (fries don't seem worth it to me), or a sandwich or sub (keeping an eye on sauces and cheese). As long as I track it that makes me more accountable.

janejellyroll wrote: »

chunky_pinup wrote: »

Most places have something that isn't terribly "unhealthy" (I agree with Juggernaut, with usage of those words), but if you're looking for something large, quick and filling I tend to go to places like Freshii or Chipotle. But normally my dinner leftovers are my lunch.

What do you like at Freshii? I want to try it, but their menu is kinda daunting to me.

At Freshii look for protein and calories.
Terriyaki Twist Bowl with sauce: Calories 500, protein 14 grams
Ninja Salad with dressing: Calories 350, protein 9 grams
Spicy Tai Burrito with sauce: Calories 480, protein 16 grams

Almost ever fast food joint has a grilled chicken sandwich. A 6" coldcut on wheat and baked chips at subway is less than 600 calories. Although this isn't the best, it can work.

chunky_pinup wrote: »

janejellyroll wrote: »

What do you like at Freshii? I want to try it, but their menu is kinda daunting to me.

I like their bowls or salads. I usually build my own, or do any one of the bowls either on it's own or with tofu. I'm vegan, and there's a few that have non-veg dressings, so I just sub out for a vegan dressing. I've never had their wraps/burritos or breakfasts, but my husband got a wrap once that was massive.

I'm vegan too -- that's why I asked for your advice! Thank you.

There are cute insulated lunch bags with accessory pockets for keys/phone (I saw some at Costco recently) so pop in the ice pack and pack anything you would eat cold--salad, sandwich, veggies, cheese, yogurt, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, etc. Any of these cold items except the sandwich you could prepare the night before so you can just grab from the fridge and go. Or you could get a thermos for hot stuff and pack soup, stew, spaghetti, chili, etc.

I don't do much elaborate food prep for lunch. Usually, lean deli meat on light (under 70 calories) whole wheat bread with lettuce. If I'm where there is a microwave, I bring a Healthy Choice microwavable soup. They are lower sodium than the other brands and around 200-300 calories for a container. Plus,I always have fruit -- an apple, banana, or orange -- something portable. I also might throw some bagged salad and grape tomatoes in a plastic container with some chick peas. I always have a supply of plastic forks and spoons at home.