Buca di Beppo...help!

I am graduating from college and going to Buca di Beppo for dinner tonight with family. From what I hear they serve large portions in general, not single servings. Does anyone know what I should do in this situation? What could possibly be my healthiest options or how I can make sure I get single servings of food? ahh...

Replies

  • specialkyc
    specialkyc Posts: 384 Member
    First of all, Congratulations...that's such a big accomplishment!!!

    If you normally measure your food, then you may be familiar with what a cup of something looks like or 4oz of something looks like. That's the best thing I can tell you, just eyeball it and try to make judgement that way. Sounds delicious, though. I haven't been to Buca in years since they closed the one in my area.
  • PHS7
    PHS7 Posts: 213 Member
    First off, CONGRATULATIONS for graduating. That's fantastic.

    You're right, Buca serves "family style" and the big advantage to that is that YOU get to control your portion. I'd head to their website and do a little research on their menu and nutritional values. Then, since you're the guest of honor, suggest foods that you like and are the more "healthier" choices. Face it, Buca is not for dieters, but with a little research you can choose the better options for dinner and enjoy yourself. You're celebrating a great accomplishment.
  • mbk830
    mbk830 Posts: 164 Member
    The last time I was there they had a few single portion options, but it has been awhile. If you google it, it appears that some websites have limited nutritional information for you. It may not be completely accurate, but I would use them as a guide. If you decide to do family style I think I would try convince the family to get one thing that I felt I could eat from and not totally lose control. My parents came in from graduation last night and I'm struggling with similar issues. Good luck!
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    Congratulations. Maybe - just for this one meal - you could enjoy your celebration and not worry about logging or how many calories everything is. Enjoy your accomplishment and get back to logging tomorrow!
  • arickim
    arickim Posts: 137
    We ordered a small baked ziti and split it 4 ways(took half for lunch the next day). I would go ahead and share with someone, cause a small you can split 4 ways. Tiramisu came in a large bowl and we ate on it all weekend.
  • vendygirl
    vendygirl Posts: 718 Member
    Congrats!

    Bucca is considered family style. They are large portions meant to be shared with 2-4 people. Just be aware of what you are eating and try not to fill up on the bread.

    One night of just enjoying what you are eating isn't bad but if you feel you can't let yourself do that, you know when you are full. you got this!
  • Congratulations. Maybe - just for this one meal - you could enjoy your celebration and not worry about logging or how many calories everything is. Enjoy your accomplishment and get back to logging tomorrow!

    I agree with this. Go, enjoy your meal, celebrate your success! Logging etc can wait just one day. Congratulations!
  • TundraTed
    TundraTed Posts: 254 Member
    They have a really good salad there that I love. Since it's your graduation, I am going to echo the other posters about celebrating and not worrying about logging. You can't count calories/macros every second of every day for the rest of your life. This is one of those times when I wouldn't.
  • Kimharbath
    Kimharbath Posts: 29
    I went there three weeks ago and was able to get a half size salad with no dressing. It had some sort of nuts on it and a little cheese., tomatoes, etc. Then I had one small piece of cheese bread and iced tea. Came away feeling great! I find I am able to eat out easily. I always look for something like the house salad and ask them to make accommodation.
  • lbigham1
    lbigham1 Posts: 132
    Congratulations on your graduation! You might try sticking with items that have marinara sauce. The alfredo sauces are usually high in calories. Also, eat a big salad and plenty of water before you start with your meal. That will help you get full faster.

    Most of all enjoy yourself. You deserve it! :drinker:
  • BurkeshireFarms
    BurkeshireFarms Posts: 45 Member
    My wife and I went through a similar situation not too long ago (same restaurant; different celebration).

    Here is a link conatining all of Buca's nutritional info. Copy and paste the link into your web browser.

    http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/support-files/bucadibeppo-nutrition.pdf

    Keep in mind when going that the portions are family style, where as a small portion feeds 3, and a large feeds 6. The link indicates the DIVIDED portion.

    It was difficult, but we made it through, and you will too. The best part about it is Buca has to be one of the worst restaurants to attend while attempting to stick to your MFP "diet". Its a great challenge and actually a bit of fun - like solving a puzzle.
  • BrettPGH
    BrettPGH Posts: 4,716 Member
    Congratulations. Maybe - just for this one meal - you could enjoy your celebration and not worry about logging or how many calories everything is. Enjoy your accomplishment and get back to logging tomorrow!

    Seconded.