What should I order when fast food is my only option?
Craving sushi?
You likely will not be able to tolerate your favourite sushi rolls because of the rice and seaweed wrap, however there are several other equally satisfying options on every Asian-style restaurant menu to consider.
- Indulge in an order of tartar or sashimi. These rice-less options are easier to digest.
- Don’t be afraid to ask if your favourite sushi rolls can be made with a cucumber wrap instead of the traditional seaweed wrap. This is often a ‘low carb’ option on sushi menus.
- Order a side of edamame beans. These soybeans are not only a good source of protein, but they are also rich in fibre.
- Try a protein rich Asian soup. Asian-style restaurants often have a traditional soup with eggs, tofu, chicken, and/or shrimp. Prioritize the solid pieces and leave most of the broth behind.
- Salmon or tuna salad. Most sushi restaurants have a simple green salad with a seared piece of fish and a flavourful salad dressing.
Sandwiches & Wraps·
- Choose a sandwich on toasted bread. If it is a large sandwich, remove the top piece of bread. Great options include: chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad and deli meats.
- Wraps are also a good option. Opt for baked chicken rather than crispy chicken.
Breakfast egg sandwiches
- Choose a breakfast wrap or a toasted english muffin sandwich. Skip the bacon and sausage.
Salad
- Almost all restaurants now have a green salad with chicken. Again, opt for grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken.
- Other high protein options include: taco salads, chickpea salads and bean salads.
Chili
- Whether you choose the vegetarian or meat version, chili packs a lot of protein. They are also very easy to digest making them the perfect option if you have recently transitioned to solid food.
Here are some other helpful tips to challenge those old fast food habits:
- Skip the combo option… yes, even if it’s cheaper!
- Don’t order a drink. You will be less tempted to drink and eat at the same time if you don’t have a refreshing beverage staring you down during your meal.
- Eat in the restaurant instead of in the car. If you are driving and eating, food is more likely to block. You can’t be mindful if you are multitasking!
- Choose foods described as: grilled, baked, sautéed, broiled, steamed, boiled, etc. more often. These cooking methods are lower in calories.
- Many corner stores and gas stations now have ‘grab and go’ options in their fridges such as sandwiches, salads, protein shakes, yogurt parfaits, etc. Next time you get gas, make a mental note of 3 appropriate meal options you could choose if you were in a pinch.
Bon appétit!
- Lisa & Monica
Lisa Kaouk, RD & Monica Bashaw, RD
We are compassionate and enthusiastic registered dietitians (RD/PDt) specialized in working with adults before and after bariatric surgery. With over 10 years of experience, we are highly specialized in all aspects of bariatric surgery.
We are patient and committed, and most importantly, we understand that life after bariatric surgery is filled with many new challenges and lifestyle changes.
Authors of "The Complete Guide to Weight Loss Surgery: Your questions finally answered".
Available on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, or our website (PDF download).
8 hours ago, fruitandveggies said:Just want to put out there that not everyone has issues with sushi. I have it every week! Give it a try, it might work fine with you.
I don't like it but I do eat brown rice and have no qualms with it too. Same goes for that. 😊
Boiled eggs are a great source of Protein too. Have it with your green salad. Just a thought. I can't eat them only a boiled egg (1/2)
Forget the toasted breads and wraps. You want to lose weight while you do this. If you can get Breakfast all day, you can always eat eggs. Almost any place that has fast food burgers or chicken these days will make them Protein style. Meaning you get them wrapped in lettuce instead of bread. For Mexican, you can get a bowl with no rice. Basically meat and Beans on a salad. Or fajitas if you're in a restaurant. Most bariatric specialists and all the surgeons tell you not to waste your stomach space eating the lettuce. Just think of it as a holder. Eat the protein first and then , if you have room, take a few bites of the veg. Remember it's the dense protein that will keep you from being hungry during this process.
8 hours ago, jess9395 said:Wait... what's wrong with the seaweed?
I can clump or be sticky I would guess. I didn't have sushi for at least 6 months post-op. Tried it and was immediately uncomfortable.
I can clump or be sticky I would guess. I didn't have sushi for at least 6 months post-op. Tried it and was immediately uncomfortable.
Interesting!!! I haven't done a sushi roll since pre op because I can't eat the rice so I had no idea!
I do sashimi and poke though! YUM
I have had sushi no more than 5 times in the last 2.5 years. It's still delicious, but the discomfort takes away from the enjoyment. I only go because my fraternity brother & I do it as a tradition. 4 pieces is enough that I can stretch it out over the course of the meal and uphold the tradition. I log the food, but it really isn't a good source of Protein compared to the calories. But it is nice to consider it a special occasion.
I have had sushi no more than 5 times in the last 2.5 years. It's still delicious, but the discomfort takes away from the enjoyment. I only go because my fraternity brother & I do it as a tradition. 4 pieces is enough that I can stretch it out over the course of the meal and uphold the tradition. I log the food, but it really isn't a good source of Protein compared to the calories. But it is nice to consider it a special occasion.
On the other hand sashimi has great bang for the buck and is available most places sushi is!
For those who aren't aware it's just the fish part.
On 12/08/2017 at 1:46 PM, vsgdon said:My neutritionist suggested that everyone have a small survival bag they bring with them when traveling consisting of as much non refridgerated and perishables as possible.
Can I ask you to list some ideas
zallykatz16 56
Posted
This is great! Thanks for the help
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