I forgot how hard eating out is!!!

nhendri
nhendri Posts: 236 Member
edited October 6 in Food and Nutrition
This morning I went to breakfast at the Origional house of pancakes with my co-workers. Several of them are on weight watchers and we discussed our many options. I thought that what I ordered would be the best low calorie option. I got the southwest veggie omelette. Holy cow it was a lot of food!! I was very proud of myself for asking for a to go box to be served with my food and I seperated the food into smaller servings as soon as it came. When I got to work and after I ate some of it for my lunch I tracked the calories and it was not the best choice plus it was so expensive. Next time I will just order a side of eggs!! I havent been very strict or good at counting my calories so it is a shock at how bad food has really become!!

Replies

  • kellyc3
    kellyc3 Posts: 95
    I just went out to eat Friday night. It is very hard!
  • Stacyanne324
    Stacyanne324 Posts: 780 Member
    We eat out at least once a week (this week between a Family lunch, girls night, date night, and an alone shopping trip with my husband it will be 4 times). I find the best way to handle it and stay within your goals is to research the menu ahead of time, decide what you will be getting, and sticking to it once you get there. I already know what I'll be ordering at our next three meals out down to the drinks I'll have with it. This lets me fit the rest of the day around it and know if I need to add a little more oomph to that days exercise schedule.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,031 Member
    This morning I went to breakfast at the Origional house of pancakes with my co-workers. Several of them are on weight watchers and we discussed our many options. I thought that what I ordered would be the best low calorie option. I got the southwest veggie omelette. Holy cow it was a lot of food!! I was very proud of myself for asking for a to go box to be served with my food and I seperated the food into smaller servings as soon as it came. When I got to work and after I ate some of it for my lunch I tracked the calories and it was not the best choice plus it was so expensive. Next time I will just order a side of eggs!! I havent been very strict or good at counting my calories so it is a shock at how bad food has really become!!
    My wife and I split entrees to save calories and money when eating out.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • kmcka637
    kmcka637 Posts: 13 Member
    Eating out does not have to be hard! I have a boyfriend who loves going out for dinner so I had to find a way to adjust using MFP. You just have to create a system. If my friends, family or boyfriend want to go out, I need to know where we are going and I need to know the day before or the morning of so I can plan my meals accordingly.

    I will either: Eat fewer calories for lunch and breakfast, or skip a snack OR go for a 20 minute run so I can afford the extra calories.

    I also look at the Restaurant's website for nutrition information so I know how many calories I will be consuming. (I always try to choose the best option). I now have certain meals that I eat depending on what restaurant I go to. I always recommend sushi. It's full of nutrients, fills you up, and the calorie intake is not so bad.

    Of course, there are some restaurants or food that are just so bad for you that does not make this system possible (WIngs: over 1000 calories!!). Its about making sacrifices though isn't it?
  • nhendri
    nhendri Posts: 236 Member
    I think a part of my mistake was letting someone else look up the calories for me!! Also this silly resturant does not have its nutrition posted :frown: I think its a plow if people knew what they were going to consume or what their options were befor they showed up they would end up not eating there. I know this place would not have been my first choice!!. It has been over a year since I was motivated and getting back to it is so hard. I hit a platue that lasted for 6 months so I gave up and have just been maintaining. I want to feel good and so I am getting back to logging. This was a learning experience for sure I will do my own research on food and look before I go so I do not feel the pressure of just ordering. Speaking of next time we are going to lunch next week for my birthday my choice. I have no idea where to go!! Im in Salt Lake City Utah and would love some suggestions (im not picky just dont like fish :sad: ) thanks all!!
  • kmcka637
    kmcka637 Posts: 13 Member
    I know what you mean. I just started using MFP again just over a month a go. I stopped last August when I went on vacation. I think it just takes a while to get in to. After you loose your first 5-7 and start seeing results it gets easier. I am thrilled that I have lost 8 lbs!

    And I refuse to eat at restaurants with no nutritional value. If I do not know what it going into my body, I am not going to eat it.

    As for restaurant suggestions, I cannot be much help as I live in Canada and I think restaurant selections are much different.

    Good luck to you! And if you need some motivation, feel free to add me as a friend!
  • gp79
    gp79 Posts: 1,799 Member
    It's rough in almost every restaurant out there. My family and I usually do Sunday brunch at First Watch. It's practically the only restaurant I can go to and eat under 1000 calories and be satisfied.
  • redbird99
    redbird99 Posts: 298 Member
    Usually I look up the restaurant's nutrition info before I go. But I went to Chili's today with family and my phone was dead, so I asked the waitor if they had a brochure for nutritional values available. He went somewhere and came back with the nutrition information for everything on the menu, even condiments! I gave him a big tip! I ordered the Fajita Trio with the condiments but asked him not to bring the tortillas. That was 730 calories in all. I knew we would be eating out so I didn't have much for breakfast or supper, plus we shopped most of the afternoon! Lots of walking!
  • BobbyClerici
    BobbyClerici Posts: 813 Member
    OUCH!
    I ONLY go out on my "free day" - lol

    And I binge on everything in sight.
  • DannyMussels
    DannyMussels Posts: 1,842 Member
    Usually I look up the restaurant's nutrition info before I go.


    This ^

    I've been surprised on more than one occasion and been able to order 2 appetizers instead of 1 entree, and had a lot more food, for a lot less calories.

    It's also allowed me to try things I usually wouldn't, cause they're healthier choices.
  • gregpack
    gregpack Posts: 426 Member
    I prefer to eat out in advance, and budget the days calories accordingly. It's tough for me to have an enjoyable,filling meal at most places without closing in on 1000 calories.
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