Restaurant Favorites?

would love to know your go to choices at most restaurants! And.... go!

Grilled fish, steamed shrimp, grilled chicken, steak, and non starchy veggies.

Sometimes they have an appropriate appetizer (grilled shrimp or something similar). If you're dining with a partner, sometimes they have an option to add shrimp or scallops which has been just the right amount. I used to be hesitant about saying we were sharing or the appetizer is my meal but I got over that pretty quickly. We like to eat out. Otherwise, grilled fish, shrimp, chicken, steak (really any protein that is grilled) with veggies. I portion it out (I guesstimate but I know some actually take a portable food scale to the restaurant) and take the rest home and have at least one if not two meals to go. DH loves fast food so Wendy's Chili is my go-to there.

The possibilities are endless... you just have to find your protein, and go from there...

We were at an Italian place not too long ago, and I ordered shrimp scampi, and asked that the shrimp be served over steamed veggies instead of pasta... Viola, I had a meal for two days.

I've ordered wings, boiled shrimp, and even a spinach/artichoke dip once, and just ate it with a spoon (early out)... I've done burgers, no bun, chili/cheese hot dog, no bun...

A salad with protein on top works too

My newest thing is to order a "side salad" with grilled chicken. Mostly because it keeps me from eating off hubby's plate (which he doesn't mind) but mostly because it's a small salad and I get my portion of protein. It's a plus that it costs less than $7! Otherwise my choices are fish or a tender cut of steak with a few bites of grilled veggies. I'm still in my honeymoon phase so it's all about the protein first!

I'm still early out from surgery but I had a crab cake for my birthday with the vegetable. I also have had omelets a few times.

Steak, steamed or boiled lobster,steamed or grilled shrimp, fish, raw or grilled clams, broiled scallops, calamari steamed or grilled, grilled or broiled pork chops. Protein, protein, protein! Enjoy

Yesterday's trek from the country to the city had me swinging through McDonald's drive-through. I requested a fish patty off their alacarte menu (no bun, no cheese, no tartar sauce) A thoughtful employee took the time to wrap the fish patty in a large lettuce leaf. It was delicious, just the right amount, and under $1.50.

I probably eat out more often than a lot of post ops ( twice so far this week). At least one restaurant meal a week. It's just how our social life and even family life seems to be right now. If I'm not sharing with someone, I try to pick something where the leftovers will keep well. I.e. Not too saucy or soggy. A good steak or goat cheese salad with dressing on the side is a popular one for me. but basically any protein that's not battered and fried.

At Vietnamese restaurants, I usually order pho, with no noodles.

Japanese, I have sashimi, and maybe some kind of teriyaki, miso soup, endamame.

Mexican, often the insides of a couple of tacos or a burrito bowl with no rice.

Fine dining type fare: bouillabaise ( this is usually a big serving that doesn't keep so Id share this with my husband and a starter for him), steak, grilled calimar etc.

mussels are great for sharing in a pub.

I could go on and on haha but really, as long as you're tolerating most proteins, there's tons of choices. The only places I try to avoid are places where pizza and pasta dominate the menu. But even then, you can usually get a chicken Cesar salad in a pinch.

As you know, restaurant foods have tons of salt and hidden sugars. I generally eat very low carb, so I feel comfortable eating out. It's a balance I never would have even considered pre op. And My restaurant servings are generally smaller than what I would eat if I was at home too.

We usually don't eat out. If we do we go to Greek restaurants. I eat gyro or duck (without the orange sauce) because I don't make that at home. I eat the soup or salad before the meals. I swap out the fries for melon or baked potato that I take home. I take the pita home if I get the sandwich (great pizza crust). Sometimes I get the gyro salad. I use the duck bones for soup so I take those home too. I turn down the bread basket. I give my husband the ice cream for dessert (I have a spoonful for the flavor because the first bite is the best). Tri