dining out

Hey folks, As a single mom, one of the things I do socially when my kids are w/ their dad is go out with friends. I have "holed up" the past few weekends they've been away because I don't know what to do when confronted with a restaurant. I know I could order soup, but what else have you all tried while dining out that you felt was a good choice? Thanks for the input!

I like you, used to dine out as a social thing. Now instead of shoving food in my face the whole time I just enjoy the comapany and keep conversation going. I eat before I go and just have a drink at the restaurant. I thought it was going to be awkward watching everyone else eat but it wasn't. When I do eat I go for grilled chicken or a baked potato.

I've had grilled shrimp, scallops, chicken tenders, meat loaf, chicken wings with sauce, cheese, soup, southern barbecue pork, a bite or 2 of baby back ribs from a friend's plate, cod fish, flounder. Hope that helps. I can usually find something to eat, but I am on solid food at this point.

Like you said about soup - I only use it as a safty net. I have tried (with NO problems): stuff mushrooms, burrito fillings (sans rice), meatloaf w/ mashed potatos, chicken quasadia, chilli and omlets. Of course, I only ate a few tablespoons of each - so A LOT was either packed for home or given to others I was with.

I'm still on stage two of my diet and it includes seafood so we typically go for a restaurant we know has a variety of seafood options. My favorite dish to eat out is a mexican dish called Flaming Cheese w/Shrimp and refried beans. Christie

If you go to a chain restaurant and want to research ahead of time, here's a website for you: http://www.dietfacts.com/fastfood.asp I've had meatloaf, a hamburger patty, some pot roast meat, seafood (but beware the fake crabmeat stuff-VERY high in sugar), beef tenderloin appetizer thingie, stuff like that. The kids' menus are full of bad choices so I have avoided those and tried for appetizers, senior meals, or just gave hubby a second meal. Beware of the temptation to drink with your meal. It's all just too SALTY in restaurants and makes me THIRSTY. Even if you don't eat when you go out, DO GO OUT. It feeds your spirit, helps fill that void within, to be around friends. Hugs, Susan

Thanks to everyone...I had actually thought about using the kids' menu as an option, so I'm glad to know it's not the best route to take. As far as baked potatoes...potatoes and bread (other than crackers) are still on my no-no list. I don't know why because I would think that especially mashed potatoes would be OK at this point. But anyway, thanks for the ideas!

I have been out a few times. I've had baked potatoes, deli-style shaved ham, cheese, refried beans and chili. We are getting ready to go on a week's vacation and I am nervous about what to eat. I'm sure everything will be fine but I'm still concerned. ~ * Alice Ann * ~