Favorite meal and where do you get it? (Often a challenge for me, as I travel for work)

no fast food - never

salad with grilled chicken, dressing on the side, can be found in a lot of places

I always carry plastic spoons for a trip to a grocery store: yogurt and an apple > fast food

I second grocery stores instead of fast food! For snacks grab some fruit, cut veggies, some raw or dry roasted nuts, a cheese stick, a little pack of crackers, a small amount of lunch meat from the deli, etc. For more substantial things you can hit the prepared food section for a salad, or a little wrap or sandwich. (Always read the labels. Avoid high calorie dressings and add-ons.) Otherwise you can turn your snack food into a meal with the addition of a roll from the bakery section, or some crackers, etc.

If you must, Wendy's has baked potatoes (order without toppings or just sour cream on the side) and chili that are decent. Fast food salads tend to be soggy, overpriced, and over-caloried. I usually just go with a single hamburger or a grilled chicken sandwich, leaving off mayo and other high calorie spreads.

Restaurants vary so much that it really depends on where you're going. But again, beware entree salads. Sometimes they're covered in high calorie garbage and don't even taste that great. It's best to order something simple, like grilled chicken/fish or a simple sandwich with a side of veggies. If you find that everything on the menu is too much for you, see if you can make a meal with side orders. (For example, beans, rice, baked potato, side salad, steamed veggies, broth-based soup.) Be as nice as possible to your server, especially if you are modifying an order.

Sorry for the wall of text. Hope some of it is useful! Good luck!

I agree with the people who suggested grocery stores. That is my go-to place to get a meal when I am out or travelling.

I also carry almonds and a meal replacement bar or shake with me always.

I am super picky and actually hate going to restaurants...when I do I am that person who orders off the menu typically. I usually get a couple of side dishes (plain baked potato, steamed vegetables, etc). I balance out my nutritional requirements later or before going to the restaurant.

This content has been removed.

A lot of groceries have pretty good salad bar options, especially places like Whole Foods. You can hand pick exactly what goes into your salad. Stay away from the Hot bar - usually a lot of pasta and meats drowning in sauces which can be source for a lot of hidden calories.

Poutine (my bad choice) Canada or Alaska


If I were on an expense account, I'd opt for grilled salmon

If the company's paying, go for the Whole Foods salad bar and fix yourself a healthy and delicious $20 salad with lots of veggies, whole grains, and protein.

Laughing Planet Thai bowl with tofu and brown rice.

Someone mentioned the BJs chain -- good option with a good low-cal menu.

Chipotle salad with grilled chicken, no rice, no cheese, no sour cream. Boss can spring for guacamole!

Wendy's has a good chicken apple salad.

Doesn't Chili's have a low-cal menu?

Grilled chicken or fish and veggies in any form at any restaurant -- skip the mayo, creamy sauces, cheese, and bacon.

Broiled filet mignon with veggies at any restaurant -- skip creamy sauces, cheese, and bacon (if you red meat; elk and venison good meat choices also)

Choose vinaigrette for salads and avoid butter.

Avoid anything deep fried.

I guess I'm hungry. Just at a most unsatisfying unripe pear.

Chinese buffet at Giant Panda.