Eating Out Giuide?

[shanrich96 0]

Well I'm not sure there is one, but I thought I'd like to start one. This is an area that scares me (especially being new to this). I would like to have a comprehensive list of resturant dining. I don't want to avoid going out, but thought if there was a list of common places to eat and foods that people had good luck with.

Ok I realize everbody is different (and we could end up with a whole menu LOL), but its a starting place. So if anyone is willing to contribute either post or pm me

Thanks

[dits4golf 0]

Fish is never a problem. Have 'stuck' problems w/ chicken breast, stringy beef, pork. Mild problems w/scrambled eggs. Over easy ok. No problems with most veggies if not stringy. Salads ok too. You'll just have to experiment. Trick?: sip something hot ( coffee, etc) just before eating. Seems to relax muscles around 'band.' Best wishes.....

[LargeMediumSmall 3]

There are some good tips on the thread "Your favorite tricks & tips for eating out". Just started a few days ago.

Is there something in particular you were looking for? Calories, band friendly foods, how-tos? I'm sure folks on this site can give you some great tips & advice.

Here are mine:

#1. Know before you go. Try to know if a restaurant has options that work for your particular band issues. If meat sticks for you or issues of sticking, make sure there's a Soup or mushie (like potato, grits, etc.) option you can have.

#2. If portion size is an issue try ordering from the sides menu. appetizers can sometimes be a good way to go but be careful because many restaurants have HUGE appetizer portions. Sides usually consist of veggies anyway so you are off to a good start there.

#3. Share. If your band is tight and you are eating that 1/2 to 3/4 cup portion and hit FULL. See if you can share. This works best with family. Your few bites isn't going to ruin their dinner, after all, most restaurants serve portions big enough for 2 anyway. A few bites of their entree' (protein) and order yourself a side and you can have a band friendly sized meal.

#4. If calories are your focus ask for a box immediately. Just take what you need and take the rest home.

#5. It might take some time but your brain will eventually get comfy with ordering a cup of Soup instead of a bowl, just sides, & leaving food on the plate. It feels weird at first but it becomes habit and it's better in the long run.

I don't always explain myself to wait staff but sometimes I do. I simply say, "I've lost over 87 pounds by eating smaller portions. The portions here are enough for 2 who aren't even dieting. I just want to keep the weight off." or I'll even say, "I have a lap band I physically CAN'T eat the portion served. I'll need a box....etc." Most people are so impressed you've lost weight, agree with the freakishly large portion size, or understand the obesity epidemic in the U.S. and are more than obliging to whatever unusual requests I have. I've never had a problem with ordering simply sides, kids portions or a cup of soup if I give a quick explanation. Sometimes I think an explanation is nice because it raises awareness regarding obesity to others and you might even be helpful to someone else considering the surgery.

Don't worry. You'll develop your own tricks and tips on your lapband journey. You'll get the hang of it in no time. It just feels weird at first but eating out will get easier.

[MaineJackie 3]

My plans for eating out have changed as my restriction has changed. When I had almost no restriction, I could eat any place. Now that I have really good restriction--I need to put some thought into it......I try to go places that have seafood as that is typically a good choice for me. I don't do chinese anymore (or try not to) as there isn't a lot of band friendly foods there. Italian....depends on the place....but worst case scenario--I get an appetizer usually.

I think the key is.....plan plan plan. if you have to, get the doggie bag first and put 3/4 of it in the container before you start. Do not order bread....go easy on the salad dressing....and skip desert. Order Protein....avoid sauces, pastas....

[HeatherinCA 10]

Almost all chain restaurants have their menus online, which is extremely helpful.

Yea if I can I try to plan... I eat out a LOT I can't always make the decision, but my friends and family are considerate of my eating habits.

I've had good luck at:

Red Lobster: Almost everything on the menu is pretty good for you. http://www.redlobste...nus/lighthouse/ I mean broiled Tilapia with Broccoli is 210 calories, 3 grams of fat. Pretty much anything grilled is pretty good for you there.

Cheesecake Factory: Weight Management Grilled chicken, comes with rice, and some kinda of Tomato salsa. It's 580 calories, but it's like 3 chicken breasts.. you can easily go with 1/3 or a 1/2 of the entree. They also have weight management salads. They are about 570 calories.. Again their portions are so big.

Mimi's Cafe: http://www.mimiscafe...reshandFit.aspx Their regular menu is terrible!! (salad dressing has 600 calories haha) Mostly because of huge portions, but they have a light and fit menu, with lots of good options. I had the Turkey Breast and it comes w/ brown rice, veggies and cranberries 505 calories. Also quite a large portion, I think I ate about 3/4 of it.

El Pollo Loco: I get the Chicken Tortilla Roll, it's 387 calories, and it's actually quite big. It's a good portion, and it's hella cheap. They also have a Lindora meal which is a skinless chicken breast with veggies and a salad for 275 (I'm just not a big veggie or salad person)

The worst place I've found so far is California pizza Kitchen... they have no healthy Entrees really. I had to get a Soup. Chinese food is pretty bad too, like PF Changs.... Unless they have a specific low cal entree. (haven't been there yet). Those sauces are loaded with calories.

If in doubt, just get something grilled or broiled. Most places have grilled or broiled salmon or chicken and veggies. Just no skin, no sauces, no Pasta all that ads up! Also just keep in mind, almost all regular Entrees at a restaurant are about 1000 calories, before salad, bread, dessert, drinks.....

[honk 780]

I have pretty good restriction and know on wood don't have trouble eating anything. I agree that it's good to research to make sure there is something on the menu that is grilled or baked. To be truthfull I've never had a problem with a waitperson questioning that I only want Water (I drink a large glass when I get there since it's usually a half hour before the food comes). I order my food and mentally and/or physically cut everything in half and get a to go box.

As mentioned I don't have trouble with foods. For Breakfast I really like egg white omlets with veggies no cheese. That will cut about 300-400 calories.

Most of the places I go the apps are actually really bad for you, usually fried or covered in sauces.