We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

DINING OUT TIPS!

2»

Replies

  • 10kaday
    10kaday Posts: 177
    Get the FastfoodCal app for your phone. It has a quick lookup for your favorite restuarants.

    I focus on less sauce mostly. Hold the mayo, no cheese, on hamburgers. At BK you can still get a Whopper for 510 calories. Skip the fries and soda and save more. Get a side salad with light dressing as well.
  • lyankacy
    lyankacy Posts: 2
    I use my MFP app to look and see what is best for me. For instance, yesterday I had lunch at longhorn steakhouse. I chose the grilled shrimp skewers (no sauce) with a side of steamed asaragus and broccoli. I did cave and spent 85 cals on a slice of bread. I felt good when I left and wasn't starving. I know that when I go to LH I can have the shrimp, trout or salmon and not break the bank on cals. I choose the places I go to eat by what they have for their nutritional value. Red Robin BAD....I found that even Red Lobster was better. However, sometimes I just go where I want and have what I want. I've found that if I don't do that I am not satisfied and tend to bing.
  • kag1526
    kag1526 Posts: 210 Member
    I love going to applebees they have a decent low cal menu (but watch the sodium!!) and they have these little desserts... the brownie bite is great!
  • breyn2004
    breyn2004 Posts: 162 Member
    Watch for salad dressings... and be careful of any "big salads".. insane amounts of calories! I also try to drink a few glasses of water before I go out.. and sometimes eat an apple or something.. just so that I don't arrive at the restaurant absolutely starving and my "big eyes" get the best of me!

    Excellent tip! I just recently looked up some calories on fat-free dressings in restaurants....CRAZY!
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    If I'm cautious I order grilled chicken, no bun, light on cheese, no sauces, side of steamed veggies.

    If I'm not cautious I order the same thing with fries instead of veg or burger instead of chicken.

    Sometimes I'll just order an appetizer and a side.

    Chinese, I order steamed shrimp and veg and take it easy on the sauces and rice.

    If they have very large portions I order a to go box and box up half of it before I even dig in.

    If it's a special occassion I just have what I want.

    The important part is to figure out what is important to you when you're eating out and consider how to accomodate it.
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    Watch for salad dressings... and be careful of any "big salads".. insane amounts of calories! I also try to drink a few glasses of water before I go out.. and sometimes eat an apple or something.. just so that I don't arrive at the restaurant absolutely starving and my "big eyes" get the best of me!

    Excellent tip! I just recently looked up some calories on fat-free dressings in restaurants....CRAZY!

    many fat free dressings are packed with sugar. think about using a little olive oil, lemon or vinegar, salt and pepper.
  • 1WorkoutAtATime
    1WorkoutAtATime Posts: 719
    I always look up where we are going before i go so i can pick what i want within my cals from the get go.

    good plan..
  • Happy_Harlow
    Happy_Harlow Posts: 50
    Oh wow! So many great tips! I know so many seem "obvious" but it's really great to remind myself sometimes on the little things I can do to be better when out eating!

    Also any of you! If you looking for encouraging MFP friends FEEL FREE TO ADD ME! <3 I'm newer and would love a great support group! I'd also love to be an encouragement to others! <3
  • Elen_Sia
    Elen_Sia Posts: 638 Member
    I study the nutrition chart for that restaurant before I even put on nice pants for a meal out. And because of my husband's irregular work schedule, spontaneous invitations from family or friends are a rarity so I almost always know way ahead of time where I will be eating. I've also made it known in my social circle that I'm counting calories so sometimes I'm asked to pick the restaurant, which works out pretty nicely.

    And I always schedule a workout a few hours before the meal. ;)
  • SinOrSlim
    SinOrSlim Posts: 33
    SAY NO TO THE BREAD BASKET!!
    CHECK THIS ARTICLE OUT!

    http://sinorslim.com/diet-tips/weekend-tip-say-no-to-the-bread-basket/#more-457
  • sonjawi
    sonjawi Posts: 46
    I like the eat this not that book and website.the book warns you about calories disasters also in restaurants. That do not publish the calories nonlinear, for example Chilis.
  • MsMargie1116
    MsMargie1116 Posts: 323 Member
    I do not think twice to tell the waiter/waitress how I want my meal... :smile:
This discussion has been closed.

Categories