Getting a Bite to eat in the MALL

Hi Everyone Hope you are all enjoying this holiday weekend so far. This afternoon hubby, my daughter and I went walking around the mall. We decided to have a bite to eat for lunch so I chose to have two hard taco's from Taco Bell. I figured this would be the lesser of all evils and I thought it would even be considered somewhat healthy. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the Taco's. Please don't say I should have had a salad--which I know I could have--but did not feel like taking most of it home along with the fact that salads sometimes bother my pouch. I am curious what you all think because at the end of June my girlfriend and I are going away for a week and we will be eating our meals out and I thought that the Taco choice might be good for when I am away too. Thanks Marianne

Marianne, I think that the hard tacos are alright to eat. I have eaten them before. But I can only eat one hard taco, two would be too much. Lynn J., lap RNY 9/29/04 -118 lbs.

Taco Bell is about the only fast food I can eat and I treat myself to it once every 2 weeks. Three taco shells alone have only 20 carbs so one with the fixings wouldn't be that bad. I prefer a small order of the nachos and eat half of that with a half order of refried beans. I love going to Mexican restaraunts as well. It is much easier to split a meal with someone as the portions are so huge. So splurge and have fun, just don't go overboard. Have a good trip! Doreen

There's one right next to where I work. I eat there from time to time and have since January or so. In fact, I had one crunchy taco for dinner tonight as we were on the road home from a trip. Also, TACOBELL.COM is a great place to go to for their nutrition guide online. Take Care-KT

I love Taco Bell, but only have it once in a while as it is a little far for me to drive to for a quick meal... I usually have 1 chicken soft taco and am very satisfied but not stuffed. I didn't have a problem with it and I didn't feel like I had to be the the odd one out, not getting to eat NORMAL food! It's fine to do Taco Bell once in a while... why not? I had this surgery to feel normal... not to always have to be on the strict DIET! The small pouch allows me to follow my plan 99% of the time and occasionally be able to eat out at a normal restaurant without having to order the salad and bring my own dressing to the rest. Lord knows I did that a mighty-million times and felt so aquward doing so! Good for you for living your life "NORMALLY!" Doesn't it feel great! Rhonda C. 320/200/130

When Eric and I go out to eat we first look at the appitizers. Our successful choices include: Southwestern eggrolls, chicken fingers (you and usually pull off some of the breading), crabcakes, shrimp (breaded or grilled), pot stickers/pan fried dumplings, stuffed mushrooms, calamari, fried meet ravioli (Olive Garden), teriyaki beef sticks, nachos, quesadilla, queso dip, and spinach artichoke dip. We always see what the appitizer sampler for variety. Within the menu, we check out what sides are available and usually pick baby back ribs, some variation of a hamburger, a grilled chicken & shrimp meal, fajitas, fish (fish & chips or gilled fish dinner), or items like shepard's pie / chicken pot pie (just don't eat all the crust or potatos). In any case, we attempt to share unless one of us is having a craving that the other just doesn't want at all, then we take home or just leave the uneaten portion. When we went to Orlando, we did a lot of sharing, but tipped as if we'd ordered two meals. I hope this helps you during your trip. Tina

Hello Marianne... I know this is an older post and you've already gotten lots of good notes but just had to reply since it struck a nerve with me. Since surgery, I have become a Taco Bell (and Mexican food) junkie. Never was a fan of the spicy stuff but now I am...weird. Anyhow, when I graduated from one taco being "enough" to get me through, I started getting 2 and then combining the contents into one shell. When I eat both or most of both whole, it's too much bread and carbs have really started to affect me lately. Too many and it leads to not only being uncomfortable...but low blood sugar a couple hours later. Anyhow, that's my tip...YMMV. Congrats on your performance so far and keep up the good work! Christine Lap RNY 9-10-2004 123 pounds gone for the better!