Eating out

[Eileen505]

Does anyone have any advice on how to cope with eating out? We are going out for lunch today to a local pub. We are going to walk there so at least I will get some exercise! Times like these are when I bomb out cause the chips shout my name! It's only day 2 - help!

[RG07 Maintainer]

has the pub a website? You could work out roughly the calories and plan what you will eat before you arrive. Look at the NHS 12 week weight loss plan week 7 it gives advice on dining out

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Have a look and see if they have an online menu. Lots of places do and many are even calorie counted!

I don't eat chips now and, for me, abstinence is easier than a little, but everyone's different. If you think you can stop at 6 chips, then do that.

I would concentrate of the protein part of the meal and lots of veg/salad, steering clear of extras, like bread, chips, potatoes, rice, pasta. They're the cheap fillers, that do the most damage. Try not to have a big dessert, if you have to partake, share with another, or choose fruit

Don't panic! If things go pear-shaped today, it will still have been a learning experience and you have the rest of the week to make up for it. Enjoy!

[Eileen505 in reply to moreless]

I have had a look at the website. The menus aren't calorie counted. Taking advice from the NHS site there is a 'light bites' option for tandoori chicken with mint riatha and house salad. I will ask for dressings on the side. How does that sound? Oh - and thank you for all your advice - very helpful.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Eileen505]

That sounds great and you have time to look up the estimated calorie count

[Mollydex 3 stone Restart July 2024]

Great advice from RG07 and more less , I find it all helps ! I also order first so am not led astray by the other people's choices

[Eileen505 in reply to Mollydex]

Oh - that's a good idea. I'm dreadfully easy to lead astray!

[JanP53 3lbs]

I had a pub lunch on Friday, knew I was going so cut down the day before and the day after, I won't tell you what I had but you wouldn't find it at weghtwatchers or slimming world xxxxxx enjoy but don't overdo, and good on you for walking.

[RG07 Maintainer in reply to JanP53]

I agree with JanP53- reduce what you eat either side- obviously too late for breakfast but maybe just have soup or salad at tea time so it gives you more scope for lunch time- occasional treat is fine so if you go slightly over don't worry- its a celebration and as long as you don't eat out every day the occasional one is fine- hope you have a good time!

[Ceals]

I have always found that if I decide what my red lines are before I go out. I usually decide no dessert and drive so no alcohol. Because I limit carbs pasta and chips are out. So something protein based with loads of lovey veg and/or a super salad with dressing.

[IndigoBlue61]

Learning how to estimate calories and cope with eating out is a really important skill Eileen505 and one that you will learn to deal with time 😊

Your choices sound perfect, enjoy!