Favorite "eating out" tip?

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2/3/13 11:43 A

I don't eat out often, maybe 2-3 times a year? Last time I ate out it was last month for my husband's birthday. We went to Caseys which I absolutely love their food (and I'm fussy about restaurant food). Anyways, I checked their menu online and nutritional value of all their meals so I could plan out what I was going to eat. Of course most meals are well over 1000 cals and some as much as my daily caloric amount. My fav food, a stacker sandwich with grilled chicken, granny smith apples, orange coleslaw and deep fried cheese was 800 cals. Which is fine by me because it's basically two sandwiches, two meals and I couldn't possibly eat both even if I tried. I also had smaller meals all day and skipped my afternoon snack (because I usually eat it at 5pm and have my dinner at 8pm and we were going out for 6pm) to save up some cals. I ate half the sandwich and got a doggy bag for the rest for my dinner the next day. I even ordered one of their samplier sundaes a warm brownie with peanut butter ice cream, yum! (400 cals). I had managed to save 800 cals for my dinner that day.

Next trip is Red Lobster because we have a gift certificate from Xmas for there. We're going right before Valentine's day. I started calorie cycling so I'll have my high calorie day that day. I'm going to have a pina colada (200-300) instead of a dessert because thy only desserts that are really *worth it* there are over 1000 cals. I haven't decided on my entree yet but they have a ton of lighter options on their lighthouse menu all grilled chicken and poached fish.

Edited by: JENNILACEY at: 2/3/2013 (11:46)

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2/3/13 11:31 A

We went to my brother in law's country diner about 2 hours from our home. I asked my husband to split the meal with me and enjoyed 1/2 of a veggie omelet (1 1/2 eggs, about 1 oz of cheese, a serving a vegetables, and I estimate about 2 tsp. of fat). Waiting in the car I had packed a sliced apple, cut vegetables, 2 oz of hummus, and a laughing cow wedge. It was perfect! We had a great visit and I was in control of my food! If I don't have someone to split with, I will start requesting a take home box at the beginning of the meal.

Edited by: JPANNELL0 at: 2/3/2013 (11:31)

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2/3/13 11:23 A

Ask for no butter in the prep, veggies to be roasted instead of sauteed. No bread crumbs, no croutons, dressing on the side. Or I'll split a regular entree with a friend.

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2/3/13 11:12 A

salad dressing on side

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2/3/13 10:38 A

Split your entree in two and ask the waiter to pack half of it for later before you start eating it.

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2/2/13 10:57 P

A lot of good tips on here. Lately I just split a big meal with someone else. I also have started ordering fruit in place of fries.

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2/2/13 10:38 P

i always look up the nutrition info before we go as well, and i typically ask for a to go box first and set half the meal aside for a later meal.

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2/2/13 9:29 P

If I have Asian food, I immediately take a small portion of rice and push the rest aside. Then I focus on enjoying the meat and veggies etc.

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2/2/13 10:29 A

salad dressing on side

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2/2/13 3:44 A

I share all with my mate - we dont tend to eat anything out without doing so

odd time that we do order our own I don't worry about the calorie count since 10 to 1 it isn't going to effect my intake for the day

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2/2/13 3:10 A

Don't

Edited by: CARLY241 at: 2/2/2013 (03:11)

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2/1/13 6:13 P

I'm with the people who say they rather plan to get a load of calories and simply eat less before or ration down any excess over the next couple days.
If I go, I want to order something yummy and have a good time... not stress that I might go over my calories for the day. And yes... if we're in a place that's famous for a desert, I'll try to split it with someone (or get one for all of us, if its a small/close group). That way, I get to enjoy and basically pay the price later (while minimizing the fallout by eating very lightly on my other meals). This is within reason, of course, and if my choice is really something I know is calorie loaded I will cut it in half and save the rest for tomorrow (... or, depending on what it is and how it'll tolerate the fridge/reheating, give it to the dog, etc.).
Also, at most places, no appetizer and no salad/soup. If it comes with a salad or I particularly feel like one, I'll ask for no dressing (I actually like the taste of the different things I used to mute out with copious ranch dressing... it takes a bit, but in good places the salads are usually yummy all on their own ^_^). Usually it's straight to the entree and (sometimes, if I've been *really* really good) a desert.
I also try not to drink until after I eat (and order water, green tea or other low/no calorie beverage depending on the food I'll be eating)... drinking while eating actually helped me eat more back when i was fat and trying to get the last few bites in (or my money's worth out of a buffet). I remember sometimes going through a couple large cokes while eating. I think it compacted the food a bit and made a bit more room, but maybe it was psychosomatic phenomenon. Either way, *not* drinking seems to make me fill up faster ^_^
Oh, and nowadays, no buffets and I try to limit tapas type places where you keep ordering little things to share; that way you or someone says 'oh just one more' and you always think that since the orders are so small you've had far less than you actually had -_-;

No offense to the people who do, since its commendable that you have such control, but if I had to order from the kids menu (usually consisting of burgers, mac n' cheese and other kid-happy and calorie rich foods anyway) or paying the prices they charge for salads while a friend got a steak/something awesome for not much more would literally kill me.


Edited by: ALORTA at: 2/1/2013 (18:16)

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2/1/13 4:26 P

Order from the kid's menu since their portion sizes are much smaller than the adult portion sizes.

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2/1/13 12:24 P

My favourite dining out tip would be to have a karaf of water on your table. Not only does it help you drink less wine it is very enjoyable. Another tip is to try and exercise that day. if you are in a foreign city a good walk will do or a few laps in the hotel pool. But my most important tip would be too stop stressing and enjoy the meal when you get to the table!

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1/4/13 3:04 A

I don't go out with dieting in mind. I tend to stay home and cook, especially if its a time of month I can eat more than three grown men:-) But here's what my hubby and I do most times- we split meals. Saves us big bucks too! Order an extra salad or side and we are never hungry in the end. We always bring home a to go bag if we order separate meals. We split a big steak or a 2 pork chop meal, steak and salmon, whole rack of ribs, whole fish. But I have to eat gluten free- so no bread or fried foods and most sauces are out too and hubby isn't able to eat shrimp or scallops. So sometimes we can't split cause I'm craving shrimp. I think you should enjoy eating out and would adjust my other meals so you don't stress out about the dinner. Make friends with one waiter who knows your needs and always ask for him. It works well for me, he knows my special requests and makes sure they happen and he gets a good tip.

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1/3/13 2:13 P

How do you estimate calories when dining out in smaller arenas? I live in the boondocks and none of my favorite (less than ten miles away) restaurants are on-line. However, they will give me green beans, my potato naked, one meal - two plates for my husband and I, etc. I just don't know how to estimate calories to compare my options. Oh - and almost every entree is fried so I don't have many baked options except prime rib.

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9/28/12 10:37 P

I normally try to order a lean steak (filet mignon) and fresh veggies. I love bread so I allow myself one piece at the beginning of the meal. I get coffee instead of dessert at the end of the meal. I don't really go to casual restaurants so a steak is always an option. Nevertheless, I am still bloated the next day from all of the salt. I really need to flush with water to get back on track. Honestly eating out is so stressful that I try to avoid it.

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9/24/12 10:01 P

Check the menu via SparkPeople BEFORE ordering.

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9/24/12 6:02 P

Don't drink my calories... I order iced tea without sugar added. I skip sweeteners, I don't like the aftertaste and I enjoy the natural flavor of unsweetened tea.

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9/24/12 4:38 P

Asking for a box and putting half of my meal in the box as soon as I get it.

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9/24/12 3:57 P

Can't help it the hubbie likes to eat out all of time!!! I have been cutting down on alcohol, the chips, and the bread they bring... and trying to do more salads. BUT, tracking it - it doesn't look like I'm going over in calories! I think I just need more exercise to burn through the salt and sedentary job combined.

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9/24/12 12:59 P

I prefer not to eat out because restaurant food is loaded with calories. But there are times when you have to go out for friends or family who would like to. In this case I usually try to eat a healthy and somewhat filling snack beforehand, so that when I go out I won't be so hungry and tempted to overeat.

Edited by: SPRKLDRGN at: 9/24/2012 (12:59)

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9/24/12 10:07 A

Absolutely my best tip:

Treat a restaurant meal like you would one at home. Would you eat fried cheese sticks at home? Then just say no to those and others kinds of unhealthy foods at the restaurant. Watch the portions, order a healthier entree, and enjoy the company.

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9/23/12 10:25 P

Preparation! I check out the menus before I go, and if it's a surprise I'll steal my boyfriend's smartphone and check out the menu.

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9/23/12 7:39 P

ask for a to go box at the start of your meal. put half in the box before starting to eat :)

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9/23/12 7:18 P

Wow it posted three times! Can I erase two of them?

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9/23/12 7:17 P

I have a theory if eating out is a treat, a once in awhile thing than enjoy it but don't be foolish. I've never gotten fried foods beyond a fry, drink water, don't eat tons of salad,bread or appetizer- eat the main course what you're paying for. My hubby drinks tons and some of the bread and salad then is too full for the main course. It drives me nuts. My hubby and I often split the meal, maybe order an extra side. Most portions are so big we'd end up with two containers of take home stuff, that we wouldn't always eat. I have celiac so where we can eat is limited. We like Longhorns and have a great waiter that knows my needs. They have a two pork chop dinner that is plenty for two, also think steak and seafood combo's or a bigger steak to split.
Now if take out and eating out is more common than not you'll have to really watch what you're getting! I always ask for salad dressing on the side and use less and can get the amount I want, sometimes they don't put enough and sometimes it's swimming in it. Order fresh fish,crab, shrimp etc but not fried! It's all common sense. Most of us know what is healthy and what's not but it's the willpower that gets us in the end. Hey if you over indulge don't beat yourself up, eat lighter tomorrow exercise a bit longer.

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9/23/12 7:16 P

I have a theory if eating out is a treat, a once in awhile thing than enjoy it but don't be foolish. I've never gotten fried foods beyond a fry, drink water, don't eat tons of salad,bread or appetizer- eat the main course what you're paying for. My hubby drinks tons and some of the bread and salad then is too full for the main course. It drives me nuts. My hubby and I often split the meal, maybe order an extra side. Most portions are so big we'd end up with two containers of take home stuff, that we wouldn't always eat. I have celiac so where we can eat is limited. We like Longhorns and have a great waiter that knows my needs. They have a two pork chop dinner that is plenty for two, also think steak and seafood combo's or a bigger steak to split.
Now if take out and eating out is more common than not you'll have to really watch what you're getting! I always ask for salad dressing on the side and use less and can get the amount I want, sometimes they don't put enough and sometimes it's swimming in it. Order fresh fish,crab, shrimp etc but not fried! It's all common sense. Most of us know what is healthy and what's not but it's the willpower that gets us in the end. Hey if you over indulge don't beat yourself up, eat lighter tomorrow exercise a bit longer.

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9/23/12 7:13 P

I have a theory if eating out is a treat, a once in awhile thing than enjoy it but don't be foolish. I've never gotten fried foods beyond a fry, drink water, don't eat tons of salad,bread or appetizer- eat the main course what you're paying for. My hubby drinks tons and some of the bread and salad then is too full for the main course. It drives me nuts. My hubby and I often split the meal, maybe order an extra side. Most portions are so big we'd end up with two containers of take home stuff, that we wouldn't always eat. I have celiac so where we can eat is limited. We like Longhorns and have a great waiter that knows my needs. They have a two pork chop dinner that is plenty for two, also think steak and seafood combo's or a bigger steak to split.
Now if take out and eating out is more common than not you'll have to really watch what you're getting! I always ask for salad dressing on the side and use less and can get the amount I want, sometimes they don't put enough and sometimes it's swimming in it. Order fresh fish,crab, shrimp etc but not fried! It's all common sense. Most of us know what is healthy and what's not but it's the willpower that gets us in the end. Hey if you over indulge don't beat yourself up, eat lighter tomorrow exercise a bit longer.

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9/23/12 2:48 P

Realize that whatever you choose, it will be high in salt. Restaurant meals are notoriously high in salt. Drink lots of water that day - even more than 8 glasses if you can - to flush the salt out of your system.

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9/23/12 2:20 P

when you order, ask for a to go box so you can take out the extra before you even start and won't be tempted to nibble.

Don't eat the chips and dip, bread ect they put on the table. Ask the waiter to take them away, if you can.

Remember, it has been shown that fat, salt and sugar makes a person want to eat more, even when your body is saying your full, that is why most appetizers are fat and or salt.

It was explained to me like this. One of the most popular appetizers is potato skins. They take a potato, take all the potato off the skin and bread it so the fat and salt sticks better. Deep fry the skins. Now you have fat, bread, skin, bread, fat. The skin is frozen and shipped. When the skins reach their destination they are fried again and salted. Now you have salt, fat, fat, bread, skin, bread, fat, fat, salt. To be served they add cheese and sour cream. You end up with fat,fat, salt, fat, fat, bread, skin, bread, fat fat salt. All that fat and salt blocks your will power to stop eating.

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9/23/12 11:24 A

Order first! otherwise your friends bad choices may persuade you to do the same!

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9/23/12 7:16 A

I ask for the kids meals !

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9/23/12 5:01 A

Try to be the one who decides where you go. Eg the food in a good Italian restaurant is better for you than a fast food place. Some national cuisines are notorious for being oily.

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9/22/12 11:25 P

Great tools fo eating out!

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9/22/12 10:27 P

I love this tip, and tried it and I had over 1/2 left over, saved lots of calories. Thank you!

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9/22/12 5:06 P

I always look up the nutrition before I go out or on my smart phone, if they have the nutritional values online. Some places don't. In that case, I look for dishes that are easier to determine what they might have used and then try to recreate them in the tracker. If I have to build my meal from scratch in the tracker, I'll always add 1 Tbsp vegetable oil or butter to the calorie count (sometimes 2 if there was a sauce I couldn't figure out). I'd rather overestimate than underestimate.

Do NOT assume that the wrap is always a healthier option than the regular ol' bun. In MANY cases, I've found that the wrap can have 300+ calories and a lot of fat whereas a hamburger bun (the normal size you buy at the grocery) has 200-250 and a third of the fat. At a fast food place that posts the nutrition on the wall, I've let A LOT of people go ahead of me while I do the math! (That smart phone's calculator gets a workout, too!)

Do NOT assume that the vegetarian option is "healthier" than the meaty option. In several cases, I've found that there is a lot of added cheese, oils, binders (cornmeal, flour), or placed on a giant bed of pasta that add far more calories than the burger that I really want has! Same goes for salads when all is said and done with the toppings and dressings.

Craving a burger but not wanting yet another chicken sandwich? Try the small burger (McDonald's hamburger or Wendy's Junior, for example). I have found that the total calorie count is sometimes (not always) less than that of the premium grilled chicken sandwich. Small fries, eaten one at a time (instead of the usual 4-6 at a time), can satisfy that craving just as much as the large fries (or split a medium fries with a friend for even fewer fries). Sometimes I just CRAVE that food and a small version will satisfy that craving instead of eating something that doesn't satisfy me causing me to eat even more later.

At a Mexican restaurant with a group that really wants the chips? I count out 13 chips onto my napkin, which is usually about an ounce, or one serving. Eat them slowly by breaking off each corner of the triangle, dipping it in the salsa (basically calorieless!), and savoring each triangle. With any luck, you've got three corners plus the remaining middle -- four bites per chip. As the rest of the group downs them one or two at a time, I can make my 13 chips last a LONG time. It's a surprisingly decadent feeling when I've made my small pile last as long or longer than the rest of the table that has demolished that basket or two! Also, two chicken tacos, also eaten slowly and deliberately, is a tasty meal that doesn't break the calorie bank (or strain your wallet, either!).

Stuck at a Chinese buffet? Argh. The worst for me! I try to look at everything first. Note those fried things swimming in the oily sauce (yeah, those really tasty things! But I describe them to myself in unappetizing terms to help talk myself out of them). Then I go find that delicious fruit and fill up a quarter of my plate. Now find the veggies without lots of sauce like the green beans and mushrooms and fill up another 1/4 to 1/3. Hopefully they have brown rice (look in all the warmers and pots) and take a small scoop. Now you've got a small wedge of your plate left to put in all of those other things. I try to find things like Moo Goo Gai Pan -- vegetable heavy dishes where the meat isn't breaded and fried (warning: that velvety stir fried chicken MAY have been flash fried to give it that soft texture). I remember what I ate and stick it all into the tracker when I get home, doing the best I can. Generally SOMEBODY has taken a stab at entering a calorie count for something similar.

And NEVER be afraid to ask for sauces on the side or items being left off. Look at it this way: if you were deathly allergic to something, you'd have NO problem stating so, right? Well, I may not die from eating the cheese on my meal, but it WILL affect my overall health and possibly shorten my life if I always left it on. My health is WORTH IT to me to be a little bit of a pest. And if everyone keeps asking for things to be made lighter, perhaps the restaurants will listen to the collective changes being requested.

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9/22/12 5:02 P

I get an appetizer OR a glass of wine, OR dessert. It's not all three. I pick what I'm in the mood for. My husband and I usually split the appetizer or dessert.

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9/22/12 1:13 P

My best eating out tip is not about the food at all. If I know I am going to eat a dinner out, I make sure I do a workout that morning. It burns some calories, and I always make better choices once I have gone to the gym. Then, if I want a little treat, I feel I can manage it.

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9/22/12 9:13 A

I order fish that is broiled or on a wood plank which usually comes with rice and broccoli and I have started only drinking water instead of a glass or 2 of wine.

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9/22/12 9:01 A

I haven't read all the responses by other Sparkers, but I'm sure what I'm about to suggest has already been posted, but this is what I do.

I always check the menu online and make a choice before I leave the house.
I order water with lemon as my drink (or unsweetened tea).
I always place my order first so that I don't change my mind after others have ordered. "ooh who wants grilled chicken when George's fish and chips sound so good."
If there's a bread basket I usually shove it as far away from ME as possible.

It sounds so easy when I type it out here, but it's not... it's never easy, because I really want that bread, and I'd really like to have a big frozen daquari, and every so often I'll treat myself to something 'extra'.

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9/22/12 8:53 A

Sometimes I tell my partner what I feel like eating - chicken, asparagus, tomato sauce - whatever, and then occupy myself somehow while the meals are being ordered ( I often go to the bathroom then) I let my partner order for me, and the meal arrives :) I am happy, and haven't had to go through the stress of reading about, looking at, and turning down all the yummy fattening food. I know this sounds extreme, but living with 100 pounds of extra fat on me is extreme too! It's got to go!!

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9/21/12 6:12 P

Salad entrees (with steak, chicken, or salmon) with light dressing on the side is my new go to for dealing with eating out. It's hard for me to completely resist the bread basket so I order an entree without carbs. Another good tip I keep in mind but don't always obey is deciding ahead of time whether I'll have bread OR dessert OR 2 glasses of red wine.

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9/21/12 4:01 P

Water is my drink of choice when eating out. And then avoid dessert.

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9/21/12 1:35 P

My long-time favorite eating out tip is to try and get someone else to pay the bill...

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9/21/12 9:43 A

Grilled is definitely the way to go. You can always ask for a box as soon as your food comes out, then you can box up half before you even start eating. I did that the other day and it felt good

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9/21/12 7:49 A

I agree with you--prepare before you go. But if you cannot (no menu on line or new place) grilled with double vegies is the way to go. A lot of times the servers can tell you a lot about the dishes and make really good suggestions.

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9/21/12 7:23 A

great ideas

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9/20/12 9:59 P

I try and order something grilled with double veggie sides. No potatoes.

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9/20/12 9:49 P

What about those restaurants that aren't chain restaurants that don't have a menu to view? Would the best bet be to order grilled chicken, or salad with dressing on the side, or a broth based soup? Where I live, we love to go to different Mexican food restaurants but none of them offer an online menu.

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9/20/12 1:27 P

If possible, check out the menu and nutritional info online before going to the restaurant. And eating an apple or other filling fruit or veggie before you go helps fill you up before you get there. And when your meal arrives, cut it in half before you start eating. Then take half home for another meal on another day.

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9/20/12 9:43 A

Order veggies, or something similarly healthy, as your side instead of fries. Uno's has a really good farro salad (it's similar to cous cous or taboule).

Even if you want to splurge on a lemonade or sweetened iced tea, order a glass of water along with it. Drink half of your first drink, then switch to water. That way it should only be about 100 extra calories.

If you aren't someone who boxes half your meal when you first get it (even though it is a really good idea, of course) make sure you stop eating when you feel satiated. Remember that you won't feel the full effect of being "full" right away, so be careful!

This might seem obvious, but if you get hungry at some point when you get home afterwards--do not touch your doggie bag! Wait at least a day and fit it in at a normal meal time, like lunch.

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9/19/12 8:06 P

I think a lot of the tips listed are great and I do some of them! I always order water as it is free both calorie and cost wise! I don't eat at burger places much at all like McDonald's or Burger King, like a few people said if I'm going out to eat then it will definitely have to be a sit down dinner. I will start using the nutritional guides available online much more often though. I don't know if anyone else has said it, but you can always "like" them on Facebook (If you have Facebook) to get coupons to save money as well :). Happy Eating!

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Posts: 321
9/19/12 6:37 P

order soup and salad always filling and cheap and healthier than most choices!!

current weight: 157.0

165 158.75 152.5 146.25

140

Posts: 2
9/19/12 4:40 P

I print out nutritional information of fast food places and keep it in my car. I look at the info before I order so I can plan my meal. I have found Taco Bell has really good options from the Fresco menu. Also, be careful of the smoothies. They look healthy but can actually be over 300 calories or more. Happy eating!

current weight: 199.0

215 198.75 182.5 166.25

150

Posts: 1,702
9/19/12 3:49 P

Don't be afraid to pick at your food. You won't always have, or won't always want to limit yourself, to healthy and low calorie options on a menu. But just because you've ordered a high-calorie dish doesn't mean you need to eat all of it. For example, I might order a pasta dish (even a creamy or oil-laced dish) and eat all of the veggies and most of the protein but only about 1 cup of the pasta (and avoid as much as possible the sauce - without being too obvious about scraping it off). Or I'll order eggs benedict and eat both egg whites, one egg yolk and one english muffin half, with just a dab or two of hollandaise sauce for flavour.

current weight: 4.0  over

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5