what's the best??!

[Ohana]

Okay everyone...

If you are gonna eat out (chain type restaurant be it Red Lobster or McDonald's) where do you like to go, what do you get, how do you make it better for you... etc.

For example, taking the bun off the burger... sharing fries... telling them to not bring butter with the crab legs...

I wanna know how to NOT have to get the salad each time! :T I am sure there are some good ideas to share here.

And also, does anyone else get annoyed that no restaurant seems to know if their bread is 100% whole wheat, or just the "fake" wheat bread?? (quickly becoming a pet peeve of mine!):mad:

[TeachinNV]

Hi Ohana,

My favorite restaurant is Tony Romas, but I rarely get the ribs. Instead, I usually get one or two grilled chicken breasts, rice, and a caesar salad with ranch. They have the best ranch dressing! Or, I'll have a chicken caesar salad with ranch instead of caesar dressing.

It's probably not the best thing I could get, but it beats what I used to get. :D

TTFN!!

[jillrapp]

In-n-Out Burger - Protein style (no bun) I get a double double with cheese (2 paties/cheese - all the rest of the fixens) no fries or I eat a few of my lunch guest's, and a diet soda. Virtually has no effect on my BS and it tastes GREAT! I don't do it very often but if I'm going to be unhealthy - that's the way for me!

[mzteacher]

for breakfast at mc donalds i get just eggs and sausage...no bread at all....and it is still a nice treat!
i have heard that carls jr does have a wheat bun available i think on the chicken sand...but i have not tried it!
susan

[jps]

Carl's Jr/Hardees has the protein burger (leaves of lettuce used instead of a bun).

El Pollo Loco with the steamed veggies

Being Italian, I'm very picky with Italian restaurants. My non-Italian girlfriend things Ragu is gourmet sauce. So now we are able to go to her (crappy) Italian restaurants since I can't/won't get the pasta anyway. I'll get an Italian chicken dish instead.

Mexican, I'll get the fajitas and say no to the tortillas. Little impact on my BS.

I find it relatively easy ordering out. Veggies and a meat, no breading, no bread, no potatoes, no rice.

[matingara]

In-n-Out Burger - Protein style (no bun) I get a double double with cheese (2 paties/cheese - all the rest of the fixens) no fries or I eat a few of my lunch guest's, and a diet soda. Virtually has no effect on my BS and it tastes GREAT! I don't do it very often but if I'm going to be unhealthy - that's the way for me!

please explain just what is "unhealthy" in the meal you have described above.

Signed,

Curious.

[matingara]

i eat out quite alot. i normally order steak or chicken or fish or pork. i always ask them to substitute the "fries" with salad. never been a problem.

the only take out food i get is barbecued charcoal rotisserie chicken. i just ignore the stuffing.

:)

-- Joel.

[HuskerMychal]

Red Lobster .. big problem though is i can not deny the biscuts
Double insulin dinner

[princesslinda]

Ate at Red Lobster this weekend. Had a salad w/Balsamic vinaigarette dressing, grilled mahi-mahi with veggies and unsweet tea. We just ask them not to bring the biscuits (or to only bring a couple for him), as it's a huge temptation for me if I have to look at them for very long.

The only places I don't eat are Italian ones, as it's hard for me to find a filling pasta substitute.

We eat at Outback Steak House often, as well as Applebee's.

We don't eat out at fast food places, as if i'm having a burger, i'll grill one at home easy enough.

Calorie King or Dietfacts have good websites, listing popular menus and their nutritional information. If you're going out, look at the menu ahead of time and find your best option.

[EdnBama]

I enjoy Longhorn ... get the pork chops with asparagus. Might have a few fries and a little bread.

Yum.

[Mich]

When eating in a restaurant, I always check out the "appetizers" part of the menu first. Many times, I find an all protein/fat choice and have that as my meal with a small salad.

Because of my very low carb diet, I get to eat things that others think will make them fat. I am steadily loosing a few pounds by limiting overall calories right now. I also don't eat much at a time, so appetizers are perfect for me.

If I do eat carbs, they are usually green veggies or a 1/3 c baked potato (with all the trimmings) or just a spoonful of the killer lobster mac and cheese at our local steakhouse.

I trade the rest of my mac and cheese for a taste of someone's dessert. :D

Mich

[Evermont]

This is even trickier for a vegetarian, not that I'm complaining. Mostly I just avoid chains 'cause I don't like the food, and there aren't many good choices.

But I love eating out and do it often.

...The only places I don't eat are Italian ones, as it's hard for me to find a filling pasta substitute.

Eggplant Parmesan is a favorite of mine. Last night I had Tomato basil soup and fried cheese sticks with marinara sauce. My wife had the greek salad which I also like a lot. There certainly are a number of carby choices too and while I typically pass on those, when I do splurge I do it at my favorite Italian restaurant - only the tastiest carbs make the cut these days.

[Cassini]

We rarely eat out at a "fancy" restaurant because of the cost, so it's the cheapy chains for me, but if we are going anywhere at all, I always order a double meat, double cheese burger, small fries and diet bevvy.

My best results are with A&W, double teen meal. Yumm! I can manage this with a small rise in bs, usually 1 point which is 18 points on the American scale.

The other day I busted out and had 3 slices of a sausage and 'shroom pizza! omg, it was sooooo good and once again, 2 hour numbers where 7.1 (128) versus the pre test at 6.1 (110).

The worst part of these treats is the resurgence of the carb cravings which I fight the next day, back on track fairly quickly though.

As with other addictions, sometimes talking/typing about the carbs will get my mouth watering, like right now! haha!:D

Happy New Year, everyone!

Cass:T

[lorilei]

we don't typically eat fast food so not a problem...but it is the food of the orient that has got me beat...i have no idea how to handle the sauces...and i miss the rice and pad thai...if we go to a pub, i have the wings as a treat, nothing battered...although i've been dying for a blooming onion for the past three months!

[Ohana]

Ohh, blooming onion, now THAT sounds yummy. I am still learning how to be good :)

[ShottleBop]

Outback: burger, no bun, and a salad; steak or fish with steamed veggies and salad.

Jack-in-the-Box: Breakfast Jack, which I eat by sliding the filling off of the bun.

Mexican restaurant: machaca, and substitute salad for beans and rice.

Italian--we don't go to chains. I generally order a salad with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.

[RobiJo]

Typically anywhere I go I substitute a garden salad rather than eating the fries that typically come with burgers/sandwiches. If I really want a fry or wo I'll steal some of my husbands.

Ask for steamed veggies (or twice as much if veggies are included on the plate) instead of fries/mashed potatoes etc. for typical main dishes.

Order water or diet soda.

[amccrazgrl]

At Texas Roadhouse they now have a smaller onion blossom. It supposed feed like 2-3 people. It really does and gives you just enough taste that you want without over eating it.

I honestly eat whatever I want. As for me I hate lettuce so the salad would NEVER be an option for me. I like only a few veggies. (corn,g-beans,okra,carrots(cooked),broccoli(cheese),asparg us)

[jakesfnm]

I don't eat at fast food restaurants. My (adult) son will go to McDonalds and spend $10. There are much better small local inexpensive restaurants in most areas. Usually the owners are more than willing to accommodate and make substitutions. And I like supporting local food growers and business owners while I get a healthier, better-tasting meal.

[enigmalady777]

My favorite restaurant is a local barbecue place called Rattlers.

I order either prime rib, barbecued chicken breasts or beef ribs (bbq sauce on the side) with a salad from the salad bar, or if I really want to "splurge", a baked potato that I empty the mushy middle from and eat just the skin with a bit of butter, sour cream and chives. I end up with a big old pile of mashed potato on my plate afterward and get the strangest looks from the wait staff....:T

I also make them put the bread basket next to my hubby who quickly polishes the garlic rolls off so fast that I don't even have time to consider eating one.

[Ed B]

Here are some of mine:

Italian: Chicken Parmesan and I go easy on the small side of pasta that comes with it. Salad will either come with it or I buy a side salad to go with it.

Tex-Mex: Fajitas – pass on the rice, load the flour tortillas so I only eat two tortillas swelling with meat, grilled onion, grilled bell pepper, and some cheese, picante, and some sour cream.

Chilis/Applebees/etc: Steak - I pay the extra dollar and ask them to replace the potatoes with a salad. Steak, steamed veggies, and salad works pretty well.

Cracker Barrel / Cotton Patch / Home cooking “Mom & Pop” restaurants: Just ask to replace the inevitable starchy carb with a green vegetable. I prefer spinach or turnip greens, but green beans are OK.

Burger places – I just pass most of the time.

Fast food Mexican (Taco xxxx) : What ever they call a Taco Salad and don’t eat the bowl.

[natayo]

Great thread!!

There are places I refuse to go, Applebee's, Chili's. I just don't find any appealing low carb stuff there.

I go to Boston Market. For some reason, I handle fresh mashed potatoes just fine. Chicken, potatoes, and green beans and I'll stay well below 140.

Someone mentioned Cracker Barrel. I get the pot roast with mashed potatoes and double green beans. Again, stay well under 140.

Outback, even with a baked potato I get good numbers.

I can go to Chipotle (and other mexican places) and get the soft tacos and stay in the 140 range. But watch out for the chips, they get my sugar up there.

The one hard lesson I've learned, stay away from anything with fried breading (fried fish, chicken fried steak, etc), french fries, and ketchup and BBQ sauce.

I love Thai food, but it doesn't love me. I think they put too much sugar in to get the sweet and spicy flavor, plus the rice is bad. Indian food is better, since they tend toward Basmati rice which isn't as bad as Jasmine.

[PrettynPurple]

i find the hard taco shells are better on my blood sugar than the soft, corn vs flour, the corn shells are typically lower in carbs
but then again i only get the barbacoa meat and add cheese

[DeusXM]

UNO Chicago Grill. I keep a menu in a drawer just to read when I'm bored, it's that good.

Not healthy, mind you.

[DeannaFord]

I do not know what anybody thinks but i really hate this type of junk food of restaurants. They invite so many problems realted to health. So avoid it and live healthy life.

[DeusXM]

Yeah somehow I don't think my health is going to suffer by me having a treat at a restaurant once a month.

[EdnBama]

Sort of seemed appropriate for this thread ...

[Russell A.]

Red Robin onion rings. OMG! My favorite.

Got to get the DW to go soon!

It requires a couple (several) extra pushes of the button on the pump. LOL


Russell

[foxl]

This is even trickier for a vegetarian, not that I'm complaining. Mostly I just avoid chains 'cause I don't like the food, and there aren't many good choices.

But I love eating out and do it often.



Eggplant Parmesan is a favorite of mine. Last night I had Tomato basil soup and fried cheese sticks with marinara sauce. My wife had the greek salad which I also like a lot. There certainly are a number of carby choices too and while I typically pass on those, when I do splurge I do it at my favorite Italian restaurant - only the tastiest carbs make the cut these days.

Thanks for this! I have a thing for eggplant but it did not occur to me I could get it "out!" I usually do mine south or east asian style. But ... parmagiana hold the pasta! EXCELLENT! I know just where to get it ... hee hee!

[Ategeler]

I usually try to stick with a seafood dish if going to a nicer restaurant. The sides they offer are generally more healthy with it too.

[Evermont]

Thanks for this! I have a thing for eggplant but it did not occur to me I could get it "out!" I usually do mine south or east asian style. But ... parmagiana hold the pasta! EXCELLENT! I know just where to get it ... hee hee!

I WAS going out for lunch today at my fav Italian place and I was definitely going for eggplant parm + salad + Merlot... But I got to put out a fire just before lunch so no time to go out. :mad:

I wind up at the cafeteria here at work - not a bad deal with a big salad bar and all. They just started loading up the salad bar here with all kinds of roasted goodies... roasted eggplant, roasted garlic, roasted maple carrots, etc, etc. Even when I'm unlucky I'm lucky! It was sooo good. :T

[foxl]

I wind up at the cafeteria here at work - not a bad deal with a big salad bar and all. They just started loading up the salad bar here with all kinds of roasted goodies... roasted eggplant, roasted garlic, roasted maple carrots, etc, etc. Even when I'm unlucky I'm lucky! It was sooo good. :T

Ooooh! Veggie food porn!!! That is the kind of unlucky I could cope with!