How do you feel when...

I've never prepared my own meal at a restaurant or cafe, but I do buy food that's made there, as long as there are healthier options, like salads. At least in places like McDonald's the salad dressing comes on the side. Having worked in restaurants & coffee shops myself & knowing that they don't appreciate people bringing in their own food, even if they're with customers, I'd feel horribly uncomfortable bringing in my own food, but that's just me.

I might also have one or two fries if they're offered to me, but I no longer buy them myself. I don't see the harm in having just a couple, as long as it's now & then. I do find, though, that they just don't taste nearly as good as they used to be since I've gotten away from eating fast food. I was surprised but laughed when I realised this.

I don't eat my own food at restaurants. I buy theirs.

I eat off menus every time. Life is too short.

I don't see the point of bringing my own food. It's 1. uncomfortable for me and the restaurant staff and 2. would alienate my friends/make them uncomfortable/make me stand out in an undesirable way. If I know I will be going out I usually just have a lighter day and bank my calories for the evening to accommodate whatever I feel like having. If it's a spontaneous decision, I have a lighter dish and/or have a lighter day the next day. It's not hard to navigate social situations without appearing obsessed or obnoxious. All I needed to do is learn how to plan around them.

Hmm...I'd hate it. So I work meals out into my calories. I either work out a bit extra or shave off 100-200 calories a day before/after and it all fits. It helps that I only eat out (restaurant/friend's house) about 1x a week or so though.

My one friend is a strict vegan and I love her, but it's a pain to go out to eat with her. I try to get her to choose the restaurant. Her family finally complained enough that she now allows cross-contamination (yes, she can have fries cooked in oil used to fry chicken). It's also a pain to have her over just to hang out. I certainly welcome her and will ensure there are vegan options for her - but it's such a pain that if she does come over, she tries to time it for after meals. I bet she worries about cross-contamination in my kitchen.

Her DD has multiple allergies so she will often order something plain and then whip up a sauce at the table using ingredients available (plus sometimes a little something extra from her bag).

Another friend (who lost a ton of weight) told me one of his big tricks was to eat at home before going to parties/restaurants. It worked for him and he has since been in maintenance for a few years now. But I imagine it was tough for those 4-6 months or so. I'm OK losing at a much slower pace and not stressing so much about eating out:)

I would never even consider going to a restaurant and bringing my own food unless I had a medical condition that required it. It seems rude to me to take up space in a restaurant without spending any money there. I suppose it might not matter much at a big fast food chain like McD but we typically eat at places with wait staff and often local places.

Are we talking McDonalds here? Hey, do what you gotta do. I'm sure the line cook ain't shedding any tears.

How many things can you order there with the same calories and macros as oats and tuna though? One meal in the context of one day isn't going to make or break you. Health is a cumulative process. Good habits are not broken in the course of one meal.

One suggestion would be to eat your oats and tuna beforehand and then order something light at the restaurant. Fries, chicken salad, yogurt parfait... whatever slop they sell there at the golden arches. Simply account for those calories and make the necessary adjustments.

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Devol82 wrote: »

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@Stealth, is this better for you? Would not want to offend your sensibilities and such.