Eating out ...

Bill and I are restaurant people - we love to eat out.  I know the rules about eating out - get a "go box" when they bring your food, order off the children's menu if possible and the food is appropriate, etc.  But how about restaurants?  What are some of your favorite "pouch friendly food" restaurants?  I'm talking full-service, not fast food ... like Chili's, Applebee's, etc.  And what do you order when you go?  What are some of your favorite "eating out" places and menu items?

Applebee's is one of our favorites.  I do get a "go box" right away and box up 1/2 of it.  I try to avoid the bread and starch stuff.  Luckily their vegetables are usually not too "crunchy".  I have been given a food card now, so I am going to ask to see the children's menu next time. 

I love mexican food.  I love to eat at a place here called Rana's.  I get taco rancheros.  They have meat, cheese and pico de galo.  I can eat a little more than one taco.  I ususally eat one and bring one home for the next meal.  I also love sushi from any chinese restaurant.  I like the grilled chicken salad at Applebee's.  I always take about 2/3 of that home.  I love Chili's sampler appetizer.  I eat a couple of things from it and take the rest home for my sons.  They love it.

My husband likes steak so when we go out I get a 6 oz filet mignon with sweet potato naked or a veggie.  I pass on the bread and such.  I can get 2-3 meals out of that steak and its packed full of protein. Or grilled shrimp skewers.  They're good too.

Went to Blackeyed Pea tonight.  It was ok.  I had the grilled meatloaf.

I like going to Cracker Barrel.  Breakfast or dinner.  Both menus are good.

I like to eat just about anything protein wise. I am just not hard to please in that part of the food plan.

I eat a lot of chicken and fish whether I am out or at home. I do like a good chopped steak too. Today Bill and I went out and we both had the stuffed chopped steak. It was stuffed in the middle with onions, mushrooms and green peppers along with cheese. Oh dear, dear, dear was that ever good. I brought home most of it though. I had roasted potatoes too. I rarely eat them but today I had about 1/4th of it. They just roasted it and had a bit on lemon and olive oil on it. Oh another blessing right here on earth.

Some people think that they won't be able to eat but really and truly we just appreciate the food that we eat now. We eat slower and chew better and with those together you really enjoy the food you nourish yourself with.

Hi Debbie.....yes I love Applebees's too. I mostly order protein and veggies . They have large portions so I always get at least three meals out of any choice I make. If I eat mexican I go for anything with chicken or beef. I order more beans instead of the rice. Plenty of leftovers there too.
You will learn what works best for you. Just always think protein first and you will do just great!

Hugs....connie d

Thanks for all the great suggestions.  I've found that dailyplate.com has a LOT of restaurants listed, so before I even go I can look and see what's what.  Right now I'm craving some good scallops (or ONE!) so may need to make a trip to Red Lobster.  I've also heard that the FIre Grilled Tilapia at Chili's is delicious, so that's also on my list. 

I love the thought of leftovers - Bill doesn't like them but thank goodness, I do!!

 Lots of good suggestions from the other posters.  I, too enjoy eating out and have found that the regular adult dinners are great---because of the leftovers-- for me.  The kids menus are often carb and fat loaded (no wonder we are becoming a society of overweight people) so  healthy choices on adult menus, I believe, are the way to go.  Always ask about the prep of the dishes...ask for broiled with no sauce or butter or at least ask it be served on the side.  That sure helps in controlling the situation.  I eat out about 3x a week and have lost 122 lbs in since surgery in Oct. '07.  Just make wise choices---sounds like you already are!