Eating Out

I like grilled or baked fish or chicken (but watch out for marinades or butter.) Also be careful ordering salads. Some salads are more calories then a steak and fries.

Look up the menu online before you go. Most places have their nutritional information online. Pick something out ahead of time and stick to it.

It all depends where you are going. Until I reach my goal weight (and even after), I am making sure I don't go over on calories/fat/sodium. In order to stay on track, when I do eat out, I eat at chain restaurants that post their nutritional information. I try to chose the healthiest meals (in advance) that would go well with my goals -- and pay really close attention to serving sizes.

I'll give you an example. I work across the street from PF Changs. Before starting this journey, it was a blessing. Now every time the door opens and I get a whiff of the delicious aromas coming across the parking lot, I can't help but crave it... ALOT. I stick with the Buddha's Feast (steamed) with brown rice, and add stir-fried spinach in garlic sauce. One order gives me two tasty meals that won't knock me off the wagon. And sometimes, I'll even splurge a little on a mini tiramisu dessert.

Planning ahead is the key!

:blushing: I thought this was about something else. :devil:

My go to is a
sirloin steak plain (pretty lean & less $$$ than a fillet)
Steamed Broccoli or vegetables
possibly a baked plain sweet potato

Yesterday I was with a bunch of people that wanted to go to Chilis. I had never really eaten there before but I figured there would be something ok for me to eat. They actually had a "light" menu where entrees were 750 cals or less. I don't know about you but750 cals is almost my entire daily allotment! Anyway I was annoyed because the menu did not list the nutrition info for the dishes but there was one of those codes for smartphones to get the nutrition info. My husband took the pic and pulled up the info for me. The lowest calorie entree? A 6oz sirloin steak with a side of broccoli. It was 270 cals. All of the other items were chicken dishes and were way more than that. I did get a side salad with it sans cheese and croutons too so the meal ended up being more than 270. I find it funny that the steak dish was healthier than any of the chicken dishes. Way tastier I bet too. It was surprisingly good.

Eat what you want, just ask for half of it to be brought in a to-go box. Easy Squeezy!

do a search on where you are going. Often menu and nutrition info are posted. It is much easier to to stick to diet if you can check the menu and info at home.

Almost every chain restaurant lists its nutrition information on their websites. Also, restaurants such as Applebees, Fatz, Chili's, Olive Garden and Red Lobster have "healthier items" or "lighter items" listed on their menu. My favorite thing at Chilis is the Margarita Chicken... HUGE plate of food... has black beans, rice, a few tortilla chip shreads and a really delicious grilled chicken on top. The whole thing is only 550 calories.

I have to eat out a lot entertaining with work. If you don't have time to check beforehand on the nutritional info, ask your server for it. Most restaurants either have a printed sheet or will zip off a copy from their website. Most servers are happy to bring it to you in anticipation of a good tip for the extra service. Don't be afraid to ask how things are prepared and give instructions for lower-calorie options. And just because a meat is grilled does NOT automatically mean they don't brush it with oil or coat it with salt before cooking. When in doubt, specify.