Eating out, your way.
Americans spend a lot of money on eating out. It’s part of the how we live in our busy lives. Having bariatric surgery doesn’t mean you have to give up going out to eat. Having bariatric surgery means you have to be smart about eating out.
Plan ahead for what you will choose in the restaurant. Keep in mind what eating phase you are in and order what foods you can have. At times, a menu can overwhelm you if there are too many choices. If there is a menu online, review that before going the restaurant and see what choices are available. Write down a few choices on an index card and carry with you to the restaurant. Order from your card, not the menu. If you can’t find an appropriate and safe choice, ask the server for what you need. If the restaurant can’t make something you can have, then you need to avoid that restaurant.
Consider splitting a meal.This will help reduce the portions and the cost of the meal.You may be charged a plate fee, but the overall cost of the meal will be less.You can also ask for a to-go box when the server puts your food in front of you. Pack up the food immediately, which can prevent you from overeating. This food can be used for another meal.
Focus on the people around the table, not the food. You will eventually be able to find pleasure in eating out after surgery. Take the time to plan what you can eat. It’s the smart thing to do!
Rene Norman, RD/LD
René Norman, RD/LD is a registered and licensed dietitian. René has provided medical nutrition therapy for cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity, celiac disease, wellness and disease prevention in a variety of settings. While working in a private practice, René enjoyed counseling individuals and families and delivering presentations to schools, community groups and corporations. Guided by evidence based practices, emerging research, non-diet approaches to weight management and nearly a decade of experience with bariatric patients, René works with bariatric patients to educate them about nutrition before and after surgery.
Rene’ graduated from the University of Tulsa and completed her dietitian internship through Oklahoma State University. Rene’ is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and has served in leadership positions in local and state dietetics associations.
This has been one of my greatest challenges. I eat out ALOT and making a choice on the menu is always difficult. Thanks for all the suggestions.
My mom is EXTREMELY health conscious and I am often emabarassed at how she orders everywhere she goes- she designs her own plate no matter where she goes and it's never been an issue. From the smallest diner to the 5star restuarnats. Now I see why she does it!! She has mantianed her weight for 50 years w/out surgery. The most dedicated health nut I know!
Alex Brecher 10,512
Posted
Thanks for the article! These are great tips. It’s always important to remember that the customer is always right, and YOU’RE the customer! You can get what you want/need either by ordering it from the menu, or by asking for it.
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