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.

Good bets for me - even at a fast food place - are grilled chicken (if it's a sandwich I usually only eat half the bun) or fish. Ask for condiments on the side (you'd be surprised how much mayo or BBQ sauce they apply). I do still order burgers or steaks if I have the room for it in my day, so I try to plan ahead if I know I'm eating out later by scoping out the menu online in advance and entering it in my diary early so I have to work around it. I generally don't eat fries anymore - just not worth it for me - so I'll request that they sub steamed veggies, fruit or a salad instead, or even baked beans or cottage cheese if those are options. Drink a lot of water before and during the meal and eat slowly so you don't end up overstuffed.

Do your research in advance so you know what food options are available in a new place and what menu items would be good. Trying to do the guesswork once you're already seated at the restaurant is asking for a stressful ordering experience.

Definitely sushi. It's my favorite. Sushi and seaweed salad.

Some places are better for eating out than others, e.g. California has all kinds of Asian restaurants. I like Thai and Indian food but I don't feel like cooking all that, so I am eating out. Otherwise, I cook my fave food myself whenever I can.

I get mondito burritos from Taco Del Mar with no rice or cheese, that's about 450 cals. I'm addicted to a salad place in Seattle - Evergreens, they do a salad named El Sombrero that's about 450 too, including a generous amount of their heavenly cilantro dressing. I get a little pissy if I can't figure out how I'm going to get at least one a week. (Long lines, have to strategize when I'm going have time to wait.)