Posts: 340
5/25/13 1:01 A

When in doubt, I make a meal of side dishes. There are usually vegetables, beans, plain potatoes, or salad, and I ask them to make up a plate.

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5/23/13 9:59 P

Healthylu1, thank you for the links! I'll be sure to keep tabs on that. Maybe we'll even see each other at one of the farmers' markets this summer!

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5/23/13 7:35 P

I think you are going to love Columbus! I live in Columbus Ohio, and it's wonderful for vegetarians and pretty good for vegans I think.
www.vegguide.org/region/256 is a list of restaurants etc that will help. I personally am fond of Whole World Pizza (get the specials), Northstar Cafe, and Aladdin's. Lots of good ethnic restaurants too (Indian, Greek, etc).

This is a great time of year because so many farmer's markets running. I go to the one in Worthington every Saturday, maps.google.com/maps?bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm
=bv.47008514,d.dmg&biw=1333&bih=645&um
=1&ie=UTF-8&q=farmers+market+columbus+
ohio&fb=1&gl=us&hq=farmers+market&hnea
r=0x883889c1b990de71:0xe43266f8cfb1b53
3,Columbus,+OH&sa=X&ei=X6aeUbjaEa_e4AO
V5oCIDw&ved=0CMwBEMgT

I hope this helps!

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5/23/13 9:42 A

Currently I live in an area with virtually no choices to eat out as a veg'n of any sort. But I'll be moving to Columbus soon. I understand that it has a vibrant culinary scene, which is a good sign. Does anyone have recommendations for central Ohio?

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5/15/13 9:22 A

We've transitioned to vegan in the last few weeks and I have found it is much harder to find food at a restaurant but not impossible. We went to a cinema cafe and found veggies, sweet potato fries and a black bean burger with a wheat bun. Also our local natural food store has a cafe offers food for nearly any diet. Lastly Disney is amazing when it comes to eating with restrictions. They will walk you through the menu and even give you a meeting with a chef. There is also a Vegan (also gluten free) Bakery in Downtown Disney that has 100% animal free products. So you have to be creative but you can find foods that are meat free but still meet your calorie goals.

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5/14/13 8:50 P

I've found that it's a good practice to eat before going to a restaurant. The only reason I go out is for social reasons, so nobody really cares if I just pick at a side salad all night.

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5/1/13 7:04 P

lots of resturants now have the option to sub a hamburger patty for a veggie burger patty, like red robin, burger king. also if u order something omit the meat and sub with veggies, like at olive garden i omit the chicken and add broccoli. if not ask for it to be serve on a different plate that way someone else can eat it.

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5/1/13 5:50 A

I have real trouble when eating out. Because I'm a really fussy eater anyway let alone the fact I'm a vegetarian! I will usually end up not eating anything because there is just nothing nice on the list, and all my family are meat eaters so we go where they want to go always.

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4/23/13 2:27 P

I've found that you can be a little creative and most restaurants are really great about editing! A few times I picked something that I would have eaten with meat and substituted or went meatless. You can definitely ask the server too.

I think you'll find some places this wont work and you'll have to settle for salad, but most places do!

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4/22/13 3:29 P

OMG The vegan choice I was given in one restaurant was so high in fat!!! I opted just for a grilled veggie sandwich

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4/20/13 12:48 A

The two things I have found helpful are 1. order meat on the side (my toddler LOVES it and some how with constant dieting it's more acceptable) and 2. if you are allergic (or get sick from eating something as is the case with my IBS) inform your server when placing your order. In order to avoid a lawsuit some even have to notify the manager on duty and they personally ensure that your food is correct.

Posts: 24
4/20/13 12:09 A

I ate out tonight, for the first time since I really cleaned up my eating, and it was a challenge. I went to a meetup meeting, which was held at at a bar. Being a vegetarian, bar food is always a challenge anyway. Trying to go vegan as well and watching calories made it doubly so. In the past, I would have ordered something like the artichoke dip, which I would have thoroughly enjoyed, but I don't even want to think about how much fat & calories are in that, and it's full of cheese, too. I simply had a side salad of iceberg lettuce, one cucumber slice, and one pale tomato slice. I kept the calories down to a minimum, and I guess I felt like I'd eaten something, but ... I would rather cook well for myself and eat at home! That said, there are good restaurants around where I enjoy eating well and healthily.

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4/1/13 7:46 P

HI! I usually order a veggie burger, side salad, and a cooked vegetable. Also you can order soup, coleslaw, chips and salsa, baked potato,etc

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4/1/13 5:16 P

Me too! I wish there were more of them around me. The closest one is 2 hours away!

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3/29/13 10:39 P

i love going to sweet tomatoes!

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3/19/13 2:52 P

Yes the Seed in Lancaster is great, we had a Party Girl Wrap there which was sooo good. It was falafel mix with humus, veggies, and Buffalo sauce. Yummy

Edited by: BJEST513 at: 3/19/2013 (14:52)

Posts: 8
3/16/13 1:23 P

Many restaurants now offer veggie burgers they certainly have come a long way but if not you can always rely on the old "fall back" option and get various side items. If you're vegan you may have a hard time but vegan restaurants do exist just seem to be few and far between. Check out my page for more information. pinterest.com/awarenesshelps/eat-out-veggi
e-guide/

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3/11/13 4:27 P

On a road trip this weekend, I wanted something to munch on and while at the gas station, I started going through what candies I could eat. Being vegan and gluten-free, it was harder than I thought. So when I brought up my mints to the counter, the lady giggled and said all that for these!? I said I was just checking ingredients, you never know what's in what you eat! She seemed intrigued!

I like when things I do make a little wave in some people. Although most times I do seem strange to others, I like to see that flicker of interest!

Milwaukee is the best place for veggies! It's like second nature. Almost every where you go there are good choices for us! LOVE IT!!

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3/10/13 4:23 P

Unless I stick with salad there aren't many options on the menus in my area. The restaurants don't like being asked to modify an orders unless it's for burgers. They act like it's a big deal to leave the beef and cheese out of my pasta dish. If it's being made fresh like they claim I can't understand why this would be a big deal.

One waitress asked me what I have against beef. I told her I don't have anything against cows, I just feel animals have feelings and a right to enjoy a long wonder life as well as we do. I also told her that I know everyone doesn't agree with my view and that's ok with me. Didn't stay to eat at that restaurant.

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3/10/13 12:00 P

Megamillions135, that has been much more my experience. I think it depends on what part of the country you're in (and what country, for that matter!). In my area, I'm still very much the alien creature in most restaurants. But I figure if we keep asking nicely and sort of expecting them to understand, maybe someday they will provide options for the aliens.

current weight: 128.2

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3/8/13 12:56 P

I had my first experience with having a few issues at a restaurant. My friends and I are going on a weekend vacation, and we had a $50 gift card for dinner one night. I'm the only gluten-free/vegan so I called to see what they could do. Their customer service was lacking and after a few emails I got an answer. I just felt like I was doing the right thing calling/emailing before I came in, but they were impatient and annoyed by my questions like they just didn't have time for this non-sense!

Oh well, I got my answer!

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3/7/13 1:57 A

I haven't had much issue either. I like to eat at places that are willing to modify things to make them vegan. There are a few places in my town that will do this.

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3/3/13 4:20 P

I've never had a problem dining out as a vegan. If there isn't a vegan option on the menu it's usually easy enough to put together a combination of sides that are vegan. However, I have noticed that most restaurants feel sorry for you when you aren't partaking in animal products and tend to serve HUGE sides to compensate for the lack of meat and dairy on your plate. This is great when ordering steamed veggies, but not so great when they bring you the biggest baked potato they had on hand!

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2/24/13 6:29 P

SELF_RESPECT and Snowflake66, Do you live near Lancaster? There's a new vegan/vegetarian place near central market that's really good; called The Seed. They're on Facebook if you'd like to check them out.

Edited by: OPUS56 at: 2/24/2013 (18:34)

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2/23/13 8:42 A

I love trying the vegetarian and vegan items on menu's to see how they taste before I make them at home....but I've noticed that restaurants typically use a lot of oil.

I ordered baja fajita veggie tacos and there was nothing on them but veggies and when I went home the calories were over 800!! Had to have a ton of oil in them. I haven't tried asking about if they'd fix the veggies with water....has anyone asked this before at a restuarant?

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2/20/13 1:21 P

I usually dont have trouble finding something on the menu. I am very thankful for knowledgeable wait staff. Once I went out with friends and we were just about to order spinach artichoke dip (my favorite splurge) when we were advised that it has chicken broth in it. Now I ask every time I order any dip at any restaurant if it has broth in it.

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2/20/13 5:34 A

That's encouraging Medusa; thanks for sharing!

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2/19/13 9:19 P

Cool!

current weight: 128.2

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Posts: 305
2/19/13 8:36 P

Went out to an Italian restaurant for my birthday and i was so pleased they had tons of veggie options. I had this antipasto with broccoli in a lemon garlic vinaigrette with red chili's and breadcrumbs, super good and not really spicy. Then I had the most delicious celery root soup with canellini beans. It was great to see starters that weren't all fried, or cheese, or meat.

Posts: 55
2/1/13 2:13 P

when i was a teenager and vegetarian my mom would email a bunch of resturants to check for veggie options. chevys has a great list of vegetarian foods some you have to ask for because they are not on the menu. i usually get a cheese quesidilla there and it comes with sour cream and guac and lettuce on top all of which you can ask them to not put on there. red robin is pretty good with the boca patties. find resturants you like and email the corporate head and ask them what veggie options they have. some didnt respond to my mom and some sent back a huge list of stuff that wasnt on the menu that you could easily ask for and they will make it.
also if you go to a mexican place its just safer to get black beans then the refried since they usually have lard. some dont but i just stopped going through the hassle of asking. i was at a mexican place not long ago and i asked for the vegetarian burrito (which is too die for) and the server left and came back and went wait you want the black beans not refried right? i was impressed he actually knew that.

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1/31/13 6:55 P

Today I went to Chili's, having done my research online first. I ate grilled onions & mushrooms, guacamole, black beans, steamed broccoli, & corn tortilla. VERY satisfying! I'm also gluten-sensitive but they had a REALLY helpful attitude, so I was grateful! If you look at their menu online, you can see that they really want to be the helpful restaurant. I love the attitude!
Oh, and I'm vegan.

Edited by: ASPIRINGVEGAN at: 1/31/2013 (19:00)

current weight: 128.2

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Posts: 7,136
1/31/13 8:48 A

I usually go to places that I know at least have a salad if nothing else. Thankfully we have a local vegan/vegetarian/organic cafe here in Pensacola. It is wonderful.
"The End Of The Line"

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Posts: 4,048
1/24/13 5:00 A

Snowflake66 - try this link www.happycow.net/ I also live in Central PA (smack in the middle of Amish territory) and I agree, it's very difficult to eat V-gan around here but I've learned to really streamline my orders at restaurants that aren't V-gan friendly.

Best of luck (lovely cold weather, huh??!) Pat

Posts: 42
1/18/13 4:59 P

Does anyone know of any good vegetarian restaurants in central PA? I just moved here recently, but I mostly see fast food :(

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1/12/13 12:42 A

OMG I love Austin for this exact reason. They have the best vegetarian restaurants. If you're ever in Austin I suggest you go to Veggie Heaven on Guadalupe Street. It's all vegetarian Oriental food with the best tofu and bubble teas you'll ever have.

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1/10/13 8:08 P

HikingGal, I do the same thing, but I'm not at all embarrassed about it. If they provided what I need to eat then I would eat it. I would buy it from them. If they're not providing it, then I will fend for myself. And not feel one teeny, tiny bit bad about it.

current weight: 128.2

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1/10/13 6:48 P

Why is your husband mortified? Are you making him eat the smuggled dressing?
Order 6 martini's or a big steak, then slip the dressing on the greens while he's freaking.

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1/10/13 4:45 P

Okay, this is really bad but when I have to eat out I sneak in my own homemade salad dressing and order a salad. My husband is mortified when I do this, but hey you do what what you gotta do to eat the way you feel comfortable!

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1/8/13 6:02 P

I focus on the outing and the company, not the food. I don't eat very much anymore, so I just pick something off the apps. I don't worry about nutritional balance. And, martini's are Vegan!

Posts: 7,019
1/7/13 1:47 P

Fave is still Sweet Tomatoes

current weight: 148.8

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Posts: 43
1/7/13 7:41 A

over the weekend I went online to my favorite restaurants to see what options they had that were Vegan. Out of 5 restaurants I was able to find 3 that had a variety of wonderful Vegan options in addition to what happycow.com had listed. :)

I'm odd ball out probably here cause I really do detest a salad. Only occasionally will I have one that I enjoy HOWEVER when it's deconstructed, set up more like a veggie tray, I'm all in loving it!! lol

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Posts: 89
1/3/13 12:09 P

We are blessed to have Spin Pizza in our little town. I love the vegetarian options and there are many. The salads are out of this world delicious with the best dark leafy greens ever.

I tried the Pomodoro Pizza yesterday for the first time because the caloric intake was lower than the Primavera that I usually get. I didn't even notice that they had hummus and flatbread or celery option until after the meal. Now I look forward to trying something new next time.

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1/2/13 9:15 P

thanks for the link to happycow.com!! :) I am in love with Pizza but don't have it often b/c of calories etc BUT it's nice to know that i can go to a restaurant and get a delish pizza that's Vegan friendly! AWESOME!

current weight: 167.4

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12/28/12 5:32 P

I have sometimes had the best meals of my life at steak restaurants. One of them was in the heart of ranch country in SLC. I had asked to see the menu (was out with a group of people) and when I returned it to the maitre'd, he asked if I'd found something to my liking. When I explained I was just looking to see what appys I'd be able to eat, he said to hold on and he went and talked to chef. He came back out and told me to tell me to tell my waiter I was the vegetarian, and then to tell the waiter if there were any sides that caught my eye, but that he would take care of me. And he did. That chef has my undying love. A brochette of every vegetable used in every dish -- along with a side of roasted asparagus and garlic mash. Even the big meat eaters looked at my plate with envy and a couple said they wished they had what I was eating.

I've found that if you call ahead of time (if you can), you can often get special meals created.

The only time in the past 10 years where I was disappointed was during a VERY expensive spa vacation at my local Hotel Del Coronado where I requested, and confirmed, a veg meal. The waiter pointed out the salads and the two veg'n options: a quinoa burger and a stir fried veg with brown rice. While everyone else was eating lovely meals such as mussels with white wine sauce, I'd be eating a burger? Or stir fry? I didn't think so. That was the only time I had a bit of a hissy fit. Eventually I ended up with a corn risotto topped with roasted wild mushrooms and asparagus, and it was really delish. But it took quite a while to get to that point and the GM of the hotel heard about it.

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12/6/12 8:07 P

Welcome Light!
I'm a lifelong vegetarian but not a vegan. I have found the members on this team to be very accepting of choices, which is a strength I believe. We share information and support, rather than judge and cut down. In other words, you fit in.

It was good of you to share your experience at Cracker Barrel, Cheddars and Sin Pizza. Thanks and I look forward to hearing more from you!

Posts: 89
12/5/12 12:46 A

Hi, I am new to this forum.

I tried vegan for a while, but chose to go back to vegetarian because I felt better when I had my whey protein shake every day than I did with the vegan version. I think it is key to listen to our bodies anyway. I transitioned to being a vegetarian because my body and conscience where leading me that way.

I found that Cheddars restaurant has a wonderful vegetable plate with many sides to choose from. Of course, I don't know if there is margarine on the veggies or not.

I was at Cracker Barrel with my son the other day and noticed they added baked sweet potato and brown rice to their sides.

When I am at home I eat only sprouted grained breads and all natural stuff. Once a week I allow myself to have some white flour, like bread sticks or veggie pizza.

Oh, pizza reminded me of Sin Pizza, which has wonderful whole wheat crust option along with amazing veggie options. Their salad are terrific too!! If you eat dairy this a great option.

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11/30/12 9:20 P

Still prefer to eat at home. Then I know what I am really eating.

current weight: 148.8

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11/30/12 7:37 A

Woo hoo!! Yesterday I found a vegan restaurant opened in my small, southern city!! I'm going to try it for lunch today. I'm sure they use more oil than I do, but I'm so happy to have this alternative in an area where it's hard to even find anything vegetarian, much less vegan. I'm SO hoping it survives!

current weight: 128.2

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Posts: 7,019
11/30/12 4:04 A

Mmm. A veggie sub sounds good. Great choice to make.

current weight: 148.8

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Posts: 314
11/29/12 9:26 P

to struggling person with subway. a veggie sub seems the way to go...sweet vidalia onion dressing. yum yum

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11/16/12 9:54 P

JENAE954 aahh don't worry about eating some turkey for thanksgiving, I have read somewhere that even McDougall eats a little turkey on Thanksgiving.

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11/13/12 6:58 P

DesertJulz, you're so lucky the restaurant is being so good to you! I called a Mediterranean restaurant today just to be sure their hummus and pita didn't have anything hinkie in them, and they acted like I was an alien speaking an alien language.

current weight: 128.2

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Posts: 7,019
11/13/12 3:59 P

Guess I should leave the team after buying a turkey for the holidays.
Just couldn't resist. Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year.
Yes, I do plan on preparing it and enjoying every bite.

Would like so feedback to help me make the decision.

current weight: 148.8

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Posts: 12,552
11/12/12 8:39 P

I eat more like a vegetarian when I eat out.

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11/8/12 6:37 P

Our company party is coming up. The restaurant asked me to provide specific info ahead of time on what I would and would not eat as a vegetarian, and to let the chef know if I had any special requests. Lovely! I asked for mushrooms & greens, along with whatever else vegetarian they'd like to fix. :D

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11/7/12 9:51 P

I much prefer to eat at home.
That way I can control the portions and calories.
One the rare occasions I do eat out I'll usually stick with a large salad without the cheese or croutons.

current weight: 148.8

219 196.75 174.5 152.25

130

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11/7/12 8:41 P

My favorite was always the veggie w/ spinach, Swiss cheese and chipolata dressing on the whole grain ...Yum!!!

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11/7/12 11:19 A

I always tell my friends that only barbecue places are off limits...then study the menu of wherever they decide. I get creative a lot, and order appetizers a lot. Finding something HEALTHY is the hard part though! Talk to your server, many times they have suggestions. I had the best taco salad the other day because the server recommended their black beans (the refried beans had lard. Go figure).

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10/31/12 3:04 P

Can someone please tell me what is the best $5 footlong sub at subway to eat? like with the best dressings with it also. Im trying to eat he best I can. Sometimes when I get home late or hubby does we need to hit a drive threw. Im trying to get him to ONLY eat at Subway, if we can ONLY stick to the $5. We normally both get the Cold Cut combo ( whole grain bread), I will put Everything on it but hot peppers, with Ranch , light mayo and Honey mustard. Is this a good combo? or should I choose a Different Sub in order to help not gain as much weight. Should I choose a different bread? like the Italian? or the Whole Grain Oats bread? any help will be vary much appreciated

current weight: 195.0

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10/17/12 12:18 P

It's hard living in Texas and eating out being a Vegan! All the deep fried this and deep fried that it makes me sick just thinking about it. I do however love Jason's Deli!

Posts: 7,019
10/15/12 6:01 P

Agree about the baked potato.
Most eating establishments have vegetables.
Ask for them to be served ala naked.
Salads are another choice.
Just need to be careful with high calorie additions like nuts and croutons..
Avoid fatty dressings by asking for vinegar or lemon wedges.

current weight: 148.8

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Posts: 4,994
10/14/12 11:04 P

I love baked potatoes ...and the side order of veggies.

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10/13/12 12:52 P

I agree with commenting on the diet. For me it was more of a lifestyle change. A different way of eating. I thank them on the compliment for how good I look. For me just eating healthier Vegan diet is more what I am doing. It is a choice to eat health and be healthy. Losing 145 lbs was just a side note.

Posts: 7,019
10/13/12 10:40 A

Glad we think alike.
Have a wonderful weekend.

current weight: 148.8

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Posts: 9
10/13/12 10:28 A

I am also located in a small town where "big meat" is the norm. When eating out with non-vegetarian friends (all my friends are meat eaters), I have to plan the experience as follows:

1) I get the name of the restaurant in advance and study the menu beforehand.

2) I consider appetizers when planning my meal

3) Before I leave to go to the restaurant, I eat an apple which satisfies my hunger. Then, while dining, I am less likely to binge on pasta and high fat (deep fried everything). (I live in Wisconsin, where the local favorite is deep fried cheese curds - YIKES).

4) When dining, I focus on good manners like - don't talk with your mouth full, and I try to talk alot. That way, I can't possibly finish everything on my plate. I do not tell anyone that I am trying to lose weight because they will feel bad.

5) Because I have lost weight, I get complimented on how I look. I don't say that I am dieting, but just thank them for the compliment.

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10/12/12 4:46 P

I am probably sure this has been mentioned, but although it is no longer on the menu, Chili's has a blackbean burger that you can still get by request. It's amazingly good, too. At steak places, I usually order a garden salad and a baked potato. Other places I will just order a combination of sides, or order a main dish but ask them to hold the meat. You have to be creative with a lot of places, but there is always something offered.

current weight: 94.0

96 93.25 90.5 87.75

85

Posts: 7,019
9/28/12 11:32 P

Sweet Tomatoes was the bomb!
I ate wonderful food with my great friends AND didn't go over the suggested calorie intake for me. Even had a chocolate muffin with a dab of soft serve ice cream and chocolate syrup!
Just for today I am a very happy camper...

current weight: 148.8

219 196.75 174.5 152.25

130

SparkPoints: (157)
Fitness Minutes: (104)
Posts: 19
9/28/12 6:07 P

Sounds fun...I am planning a Vegan Pampered Chef party :)

Posts: 7,019
9/28/12 5:43 P

Tonight group of friends who are calories conscience are meeting and eating at Sweet Tomatoes!

Great way to socialize AND stick to my food plan.

current weight: 148.8

219 196.75 174.5 152.25

130

SparkPoints: (157)
Fitness Minutes: (104)
Posts: 19
9/27/12 9:54 P

I joined a local Vegan site on Facebook. They keep me update on places to eat. I have called ahead to restaurants when traveling. Some of them made Vegan meals for me which was nice, and then I forwarded it to there local Vegan group on Facebook. In our local area, people suggest to restaurants to have a Vegan menu. Some of those restaurants have continues to make the Vegan meals because it has brought in a lot of customers. Debra

Posts: 7,019
9/21/12 2:42 P

Thanks for the suggestion.
That is what I will do.

current weight: 148.8

219 196.75 174.5 152.25

130

SparkPoints: (40,608)
Fitness Minutes: (19,927)
Posts: 2,456
9/21/12 2:34 P

I have two ideas:

1) When you order, request they bring a to-go box at the same time. Put half your meal in the to-go box to take home.

2) Order a large salad with the dressing served on the side. Use very little dressing.

Good luck and have fun!

May Minutes: 1,058

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Posts: 7,019
9/20/12 9:15 P

Out to dinner with friends on Friday.
So many of the local restaurants concentrate on large portions and food laden with lots of fats.
Those unnecessary calories feed my food addiction and sets the scene for binging.
Have been doing so well that I don't want to be tempted by fattening foods.
Any suggestions?

current weight: 148.8

219 196.75 174.5 152.25

130

SparkPoints: (943)
Fitness Minutes: (20)
Posts: 12
9/20/12 11:25 A

i miss living in the city where there were multiple vegan/vegetarian restaurants. I'm from an extremely small town/area in Indiana and it's always a challenge to find things to eat besides a salad..a lot of places will add extra veggies on a sandwich for me instead of meat... i do love the places that i can get black bean burgers at!!!! and mexican makes it easy because you can just have black beans instead of meat. my family likes steakshouses alot though and whenever i go out to eat with them its nearly impossible to find something to eat on the menu besides sides or loaded pasta or potato dishes!!!!

Posts: 131
9/18/12 2:37 P

I really like going here when going out to eat it is called Loving Hut they have some places threw out the USA. San Diego's one off of El Cajon Blvd is really good and clean

http://www.lovinghut.us/

Edited by: CUPCAKECUTECAT at: 9/18/2012 (14:41)

SparkPoints: (21,664)
Fitness Minutes: (19,313)
Posts: 1,325
9/18/12 8:35 A

Fortunately for me my favorite place has a vegetarian as one of the owners, so all the vegetarian items are listed on their menu and they have whole wheat vegetarian tortillas.

SparkPoints: (40,608)
Fitness Minutes: (19,927)
Posts: 2,456
9/17/12 7:18 P

Rob, I love-love-love Mexican food. Here in Arizona, you have to ask how it is cooked, though. Many of the long time restaurants fry *everything* in lard. Everything. Some also use lard in their homemade flour tortillas. Once I find a Mex Restaurant that won't use lard, they garner a load of repeat business from me. :D

May Minutes: 1,058

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