Eating Out?

[Deleted User]

I have been tracking my food intake on MFP...holy ish I didn't realize how bad restaurant/fast food really was! Any suggestions on what to order (besides salad) when eating out? I try to cook at home but with a full time job and being a mom, I slip a little (about 2-3 times a week)

dewingedpixie

I eat out a lot here is what I do.

1. Do not eat the bread or chips send it back immediatly. (we go get chips after a long workout but luckily I cant eat bread)
2. Get salad dressing on the side put your fork tongs in it and stab the salad, you'll eat 1/3 the dressing they put on the salad this way.
3. Avoid fried foods, butter, and cream sauces.
4. Ask for a lunch portion or immediatly cut your food in half or thirds depending on what they bring you. I always do this it makes eating out more economical too because i get 2-3 meals out of most meals rather than one.
3. Choose your poison. Example when I go to red robin I'll either get a gluten free bun and eat broccoli as my side or I'll get 1 side of fries and get a simple grilled chicken in lettuce. I also only eat here after a heavy workout day. I eat healthier places on the days I dont work out.
4. Load up on veggies cut fats and starches. Ex chipotle is my favorite I get the bowl with brown rice cut the rice in half, get chicken, veggies, beans, cut the cheese in half if I get it at all. I dont get sour cream or corn. I eat tomato and medium salsa. Just by halfing the cheese and the rice I save over 150 calories! This trick works with pizzas too go thin crust, load with veggies choose a single lean meat if any and half your cheese! Eat 2 small slices and have fruit with it youll be full.
5. Do not drink calories drink water, or unsweatened teas. Maybe even a diet soda.
6. If you get a dessert (we rarely do) get a mini, childs portion, or split one. Desserts like the meals are way over sized. I eat dessert everyday but I keep the portion small a square of ghiardelli, a frozen fruit popsicle, etc.

erbear84

My biggest one is to take the bun/bread/roll out of the equation!  You'll feel silly eating a small burger on a huge plate but there are so many hidden calories in the roll that it's worth it!

Also, always ask for sauce/dressing on the side and dip in, don't pour!

deedee5683

Also don't be afraid of asking how things are prepared (baked, sauteed in butter, etc) and if you can swipe out french fries for a plain baked potato or extra veggies.  Also, the drinks in many restaurants are the killer!  Margaritas and basically all the fun looking alcoholic drinks have a ton of calories and sugar.  Lastly, I try to check the menu online before I go and decide what I want.  I find I get alot less tempting than when I actually get to the restaurant and see and smell all the other food.  That way I can see the nutrition information too for what I plan to order.  Also, remember that in many restuarants the salads can be just as fattening as that burger!!

maribeth721

I try to go for anything grilled, like salmon or chicken and I usually ask for their veggie side, which is usually something steamed. Those are usually a safe bet. Won't be doused in butter or fat. I am not a salad kind of girl, I actually cannot stand the taste of lettuce and salad just doesn't cut it for me. However, if you do order salad I would suggest ordering a vinegrette versus low fat/no fat. I don't do dessert or appetizers. I may have a glass of wine with dinner and then just water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea.

I try to limit eating out as much as I can. When I do eat out it's typically a family party or a work dinner or something that I have to attend. Other than that, I avoid it because you really don't know what the restaurant is putting in your food. Like PPs are saying prepare meals ahead of time. Crockpot is a great way to do that. I plan all my meals out a week in advance so I know exactly what I'm eating and it limits my surprise trips to the grocery store.

Lobsters25

ditto, well, everyone

If you have a rough time, ask the waiter to help.  Ask for them not to bring bread, and ask if there is anything that can be prepared lighter.  PF Chang's has actually specialized in this 'alternative' style - making things that can be steamed instead of fried, cookied in a healthier/and with less oil, etc.  You just have to ASK for it.

[Deleted User]

You guys are awesome...great tips everyone! @kwitherington what meals do you make that can be frozen?

firsttimersluck

I don't touch fast food.. haven't in .. idk when.. lol

but as far as restaurants go, don't trust salads.

 

Dressings are AWFUL. I often order salad but as for "oil and vinegar" and just use the balsamic vinegar. It's the best way to cut out all the excess fat 

I avoid cheese at all costs when I eat out.

Avoid anything breaded or with cream sauces. 

Steamed veggies is pretty much a safe bet, and you can always ask them to cook your meat 'dry' which means without butter/oils to avoid the excess fat there  

planingweddinggirl

Best fast food choices 

Carl's Junior/Hardees = BBQ Grilled Chicken or the Turkey Burgers.

El Pollo Loco = stay away from fried or processed sides, stick with steamed veggies and side salad

McDonald's = Oatmeal, Yogurt Parfait (THAT'S IT!)

Have you considered juicing? It's a diet where you extract juice from veggies and fruits, and it substitutes as a meal. Fruit extractors are reasonably priced at about $100 to $200, and it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and clean. I have a pretty hectic schedule as well, so quick and easy foods is always a must. Plus this diet is EXTREMELY healthy, and you can make all your juices for the day in the morning.

MeagMcNamara

I am on Weight Watchers and one of the biggest finds I have is for fast food eating is the salads. McDonald's grilled chicken salads are great and the Spicy Thai is only 5 points plus dressing. 

The other suggest was mentioned and that was only eating half of your meal and boxing the rest up. 

Eyejewel

Ditto to PP on the salad dressing. They hide alot of calories. Always ask for it on the side and only use half of it or just do oil and vinegar and it cuts so many calories. Panera bread has a calories counter so if you do your homework before you can subtract and substitue and they tell you the exact calories.

Also agree with the eatiing half, stay away from fried, sodas and go for grilled or steamed. Sweet potatoe fries are alot healthier than regualr fries but lowest when baked not fried. I make at home all the time for under 100 calories with garlic seasalt yum.

Another rule of thumb - the side of your fist that should be portion size. If your having something indulgent dont eat larger than fist and fill the rest of the plate with veggies.

Sorry for the long post.

firsttimersluck

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_eating-out-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:e330f216-9584-4eb1-8d32-ee0a5efc5695Post:a00b6b63-4364-4852-a499-fd69e49bb4b5">Re: Eating Out?</a>:
[QUOTE]I am on Weight Watchers and one of the biggest finds I have is for fast food eating is the salads. McDonald's grilled chicken salads are great and the Spicy Thai is only 5 points plus dressing.  The other suggest was mentioned and that was only eating half of your meal and boxing the rest up. 
Posted by MeagMcNamara[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>yeah.. except that fast food chains add SUGAR to their lettuce!</div><div>No thanks.. </div>

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_eating-out-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:e330f216-9584-4eb1-8d32-ee0a5efc5695Post:b93f9ceb-258c-4e8a-98ed-48aeb0694359">Re: Eating Out?</a>:
[QUOTE]Ditto to PP on the salad dressing. They hide alot of calories. Always ask for it on the side and only use half of it or just do oil and vinegar and it cuts so many calories. Panera bread has a calories counter so if you do your homework before you can subtract and substitue and they tell you the exact calories. Also agree with the eatiing half, stay away from fried, sodas and go for grilled or steamed. Sweet potatoe fries are alot healthier than regualr fries but lowest when baked not fried. I make at home all the time for under 100 calories with garlic seasalt yum. Another rule of thumb - the side of your fist that should be portion size. If your having something indulgent dont eat larger than fist and fill the rest of the plate with veggies. Sorry for the long post.
Posted by Eyejewel[/QUOTE]


It wasn't a long post! Thank you, very helpful. I absolutely LOVE sweet potato fries!