Eating out - Plan of action

Since this is our new way of life, we need to predetermine how to handle social eating out occasions. I want something on every menu that I know is relatively safe for me to order, and since I can't put my whole life on hold for 2 months until I am on a regular diet, and since I can't always determine where my friends will eat, I'm starting on this list now. I'd love your additions! Chinese - Won ton soup, egg drop soup Mexican - beans / cheese Cafeteria - vegetables Sandwich / salad place - soup, hopefully Dessert place - decaf coffee Italian - ? Steak house - Baked potato Hamburger place - ? Bistro - quiche IHOP - cheese omelet TCBY - anyone tried a SF frozen yogurt yet? My husband and I will probably split a dinner when we go out together once I can eat meat. What other choices can you come up with? Joy

Joy - Smart thinking to plan ahead. I have found nearly everywhere has soup, but cottage cheese is also a good choice and a lot of places have it, even if it is not a menu item. (And it counts well for the protien we need.) As with everything, it depends on what you can tolerate - there are alot of things that just no longer work for me - including SF treats. The last tip I would suggest is, no matter what you try, make sure you do the "30 chew" thing. It makes a huge difference in how well your meal will go. Good luck! -Annastasia RNY 11/10/03

Hi Annastasia, I hope this note finds you well and healthy! The March 2004 Board needs your help. Please go to the Board and read the post, AND THE SURVEY SAYS, and PLEASE respond to it by answering the few questions. We really need to hear from you. Thank you! Maureen

Hi Joy! Most places (the hamburger place and sandwich shop) would have either cottage cheese or tuna salad (if you can have tuna now). Also an egg salad would work -- just as for no bread. At a dessert place -- ask and see if they have sugar free options like a pudding or custard or ice cream. There are so many diabetics that many have options but they might not be obvious. Italian might be hard but there is a soup you can often get there...minestrone is one -- nice broth flavor and soft veggies, but there is another with realllyyyy small pasta dots in it. Its kind of spicy and so would be very tantalizing. I think I'll try TCBY tomorrow night with my sons....I've been wanting a sugar free dessert and I'm not a pudding fan....and I really don't want to buy a whole 1/2 gallon of anything lol. I'll let you know how it sits! Lissa 386/360/150

Great idea! I am looking forward to hearing from experienced LOSERS. A lot of restaurant menus are available on-line, so we could look over them in advance to get the best selection in our minds before ordering. If you're with a group, try to order first. And, if you're right handed, eat with your left hand - that is hard to do and takes longer.

Eating left handed would also provide entertainment for the outing! I'm named Joy, not Grace for a reason! I'm not all that coordinated with my right hand, much less my left! Joy

Joy this is great. I hope you'll keep this in a Word document or something so I can get it from you later. I'm too darn busy right now. Caboose

Susan Maria's website has a great wealth of information about eating out, so I ordered her book that just came out the 24th of this month and it is en route....When I get it and have anything to add, I will let you know. I do remember her saying to order "wrap" type of deli sandwiches and unroll them and only eat the soft insides. She said look for "Soft, Moist, Protein" in the entrees and you can't go too wrong.

Joy, Here's a couple of things that people who are several months out have told me. Mexican - order a chicken taco and eat the guts. Order a cheese enchilada and scoop out the cheese. Pizza - Eat the cheese and sauce, but leave the crust Chicken strips - pick off the breading and dip in ranch dressing I'll let you know if I think of more. My sister has been a nibbler her entire life. I remember when we were kids, my father would always complain, "She has to order the most expensive thing on the menu and then she takes two bites and wastes the rest!" She still does this and she's still thin. Fortunately for her, she married a non-picky eater so when they go out, she orders, he doesn't. She eats two bites and her husband finishes her plate. Connie

Hey Joy..great idea!! I had considered as far as the burger joints and even italian...most have grilled chicken. Good source of protien ... Bethany AKA Da Offishal Riddler and Bertha 23 Days into NewPouch and feeling great! -28 lbs!!!! Yayyyy A riddle a day will keep the Marchers pounds AWAY!