How do you all handle Restaurants?

[janetrupp 2]

Thanks everyone.....Sure does help

[wannabeskinny 0]

• I always order an a la carte item and nonchalantly mention I'm not very hungry.
  

[amandaRN 1]

I have more trouble convincing the waiter that I don't need anything to drink than ordering small portions. So, I quit trying and just tell them Water and move the glass away from me because I have a hard time resisting the urge to drink while I eat. I always have leftovers to box up somehow, even when I share or order somethig small. I usually eat the leftovers for lunch for a couple of days.

[MegInNOLA 531]

I always order a cup of Soup for my entree, typically something like lentil soup or chili--something with some Protein. I still can only rarely finish the cup of soup, but I don't feel so bad about leaving it if I'm traveling and can't refrigerate the leftovers.

[Indymom 132]

Lots of good suggestions in this thread! I have been LOVING Soups with the weather getting colder . . . had a great cup of chili today at Jason's Deli. I also like to order a side salad with shredded cheese and ask them to add grilled chicken to it. I get the dressing on the side, and I eat the chicken with some of the salad veggies, it's a great meal. It also allows me to have a splurge of a small chunk of bread/roll without feeling too guilty, since I know my meal is virtually carb-free otherwise.

[Purdy in Pink 57]

I eat out all the time w/ hubby or alone. I never seem to have any issues ordering. if I'm w/ hubby, we split a meal, I ask for my own plate. He lets me choose what were gonna eat, based on what i find that has the most Protein. i too find that the appetizers are not much in Protein and are often deep fried. (I try to stay away from all fried foods and foods w/ sauces)

If i'm out shopping and need to eat something, I often stop in at a taco place and get a chicken soft taco, ask for a fork, throw out the shell and just eat the inside. (it's like a cheap chicken salad) and I'm full when I'm done. or, if there is a subway in the area, i'll just ask for some tuna. Cost's me either $1.00 or $1.50 and that's a cheap lunch too, and I'm full from that lil cup of tuna. i try not to pay for things i'm not going to eat, so just ask and they will often accomodate you. When i was at a casino at the coast recently....i went to the restaurant and asked for a small side order of crab. I told them about 1/4 cup was all i wanted. They charged me $3.00 for the side of crab and it was loaded w/ protein. see what I mean....be creative....it works.

you will lose the most amount of weight in your 1st 6 months.......so I am staying away from most all foods like sauces, potatoes, candy, chips, alcohol, beads, Pasta, (carbs in general) trying to mostly only eat protein foods.

Best of luck to you....

It's not hard at all, you just need to be creative sometimes. just because it comes that way, you don't have to eat it.

I also have a "medical card" issued from my surgon, allowing me to order 'child portions" from a menu. I've only had to pull it out once when they told me that was intended for children under 12.......lol ...... it worked!

[DisneyAddict 10]

I haven't found the appetizer method very helpful as most seem to be fried and not much Protein. I haven't went out much but when I have I order my own and bring home leftovers. I know most hotels offer a fridge now and you can always do a cooler. My hubby will many times polish what I bring home off later in the evening as he works nights and so when he is off our dinner is usually his Breakfast so he is up all night. Sometimes I save it for another meal - that might not work at a hotel though.

This is exactly what we do. I won't even glance at the appetizer menu because it's usually all junk. The same goes for the kids menu in most cases. I'll order what I'm going to order and box up the rest. We did this when we went to Houston for my brother in law's wedding a couple months ago. We had an ice chest that we constantly kept filling up with ice at the hotel. I had packed some items like Protein Bars, tuna salad, cheese sticks etc since the "free hotel breakfast" is usually a Carbonalia of Sin. When we went out to eat I boxed up most of my food and brought it back with me. If your room has a mini fridge even better but if not, the vigilant icing and reicing of your ice chest works just as well.

[janetrupp 2]

These are all wonderful suggestions. Thank you so much.

Janet

[Marie from Michigan 11]

I am 6 1/2 months out. We eat out at restaurants a lot! I often split meals with others... I eat the Protein and the others eat the sides. Since my Mom doesn't really like meat this works out well for both of us. I always check the appetizers menu. Some restaurants have grilled steak bites or ribs that will work. I have also ordered quesadillas and just picked off the chicken and cheese leaving the tortilla shell behind. Shrimp cocktail is always good.

I have found that anything on the menu is fair game. You can ask the server to bring you exactly what you want. If they offer a grilled chicken dinner with two sides they will just serve you the chicken and re-price accordingly. Sometimes I think they over charge and other times undercharge so it all works out. You can also ask for substitute sides. Many restuarants will substitute a fruit cup for fries. I usually end up taking the fruit cup home.

At Chinese places, I usually order chicken/vegetable dishes and just don't take any rice. At my favorite mexican place, I order beef/cheese enchiladas and just eat around the shell. Steak houses are easy. Just order the smallest fillet on the menu. Fish restaurants typically have several grilled or baked items available. At burger joints, I just order a burger and ask them to bring it without the bun. I typically eat a very low carb diet. That means I never eat the rolls, potato, bread, rice, or any starch. I start with the Protein and try to add a bit of vegetable or fruit. I sometimes have a very small portion of salad with a little dressing on the side.

Remember to PLAN to take food home. For me, this usually means putting a small cooler in the car with an ice pack BEFORE I leave to eat. I often eat at the mall and don't want to worry about food going bad.

Hope this helps a bit! I have some friends who have had WLS who avoid eating out altogether. I think thats a shame since it is such a social part of my life! Don't be embarrassed to speak up and ask the server for what YOU want. Remember, they are there for you.

Marie

[emily_0192010 168]

A lot of restaurants have the "add ons", like add 5 shrimp to any entree for 4 bucks... that is what I order. They just add it on to my mom's and I ask them to put it on a separate plate. Or I order off the kids menu. I don't do that often though, because if I go out I want something that has "adult" tastes and seasonings and most kids choices aren't that appealing. If I go to Outback I either do the shrimp add-on or the kids ribs (you get 5...I can eat maybe 2).

They have never given me any problems.

[kemo46 82]

Most of the time, my wife and I split a meal. We have saved so much money and we do not waste any food. When we cannot agree or want something different, I order off the kids menu if there is anything healthy on there. We have cut our food bill down well over 50% over the last 5 months. We also take advantage of the 2 for 1 specials so we get 2 Entrees for the price of one.

[SouthernSleever 228]

Kid's meal, side item, Soup, appetizer, split hubby's food (though he usually eats it all), or (my fav) as for a to go buffet. They will usually give you a box to go and you can fill it up then eat what you want and take the rest home.