Restaurant Favorites?

I go out to eat at least once a week and have since 2 months out. I will always have an appetizer if there is an appropriate protein based one. Typically this would be shrimp, scallops, crab cake, ahi tuna, meatball. If there is nothing on the appetizer list, I'll get a protein main dish knowing that there will be lots of leftovers. If the side dishes are pasta or potato I ask for a non-starchy vegetable instead (never a problem). Some main dish examples: 1/2 cheeseburger (sometimes with bacon) - no bun; short-ribs; veal Parmesan (no pasta); salmon, haddock, grouper (the fish always grilled, not fried).

Ditto! And when I'm back on Cape Cod, I live on the fish in season!!

Fast Food: See if you can get to a Chicfilet (or however it is spelled). They have four piece grilled chicken bites (just about 4 ounces). And they are very tasty and for me make two meals. If your only other option is fast food somewhere else, get a fish sandwich, toss the bun and scrape off as much breading as you can and eat the fish patty. Or do the same thing with a chicken sandwich. These are fried, so not the best choice, but I think Hardees also has a grilled chicken sandwich. Again, toss the bun. No fries, obviously.

Regular restaurant: steamed shrimp, mussels, clams or oysters on the half shell (if you like them), I love grilled oysters and where I live I can find them pretty easily. You can also ask for a grilled steak and steamed veggies and just take most of it home.

Hardest situation for me: potluck dinners. Seems like everyone likes to make something with pasta in it. I bring food I know I can eat: cheese, grilled chicken breast strips, steamed shrimp, deviled eggs.

I've eaten pickled beet eggs in a bar when pressed for something for lunch. I've also dined on hardboiled eggs and beef jerky from a convenience store when traveling.

yep - those pre-made boiled eggs and/or beef jerky can be a blessing when you're on a road trip!

I generally look for a simple, fresh preparation and avoid any sauces as well. There can be hidden sugars and flour and all sorts of crazy things in a sauce so I generally keep things simple.

A lot of my fellow RNY'ers like to look at the appetizer menu and I too usually start there. Sometimes you can find a really great option for an entree.

Shrimp ****tail is an appetizer that many restaurants offer, and 5 - 6 shrimp is a good choice. I skip the ****tail sauce though as it can be high sugar - I enjoy just the shrimp and a squeeze of lemon.

A simple grilled or steamed fish works great! If you're a meat eater, a steak usually works too - a steak won't usually be soaked in a marinade, nor covered in a sauce. you won't eat much of it but take home your leftovers for a few more meals!!

Pair a green salad with a shrimp ****tail, or a simple grilled protein, and you're good to go. I ask for oil, vinegar and a few slices of lemon to dress my green salad; I am always worried about the sugar content in prepared dressings.

This can get a little boring though so sometimes I branch out...

In an italian place, look for an insalate caprese - Caprese Salad - which will be mozzarella, basil, tomato drilled with olive oil. Not exactly the highest protein choice, nor the lowest fat option, but its something soft - and usually lower fat than too much salad dressing on a green salad.

If I'm in a mexican restaurant I may choose fajitas; I can eat the veggies and the protein and leave everything else (the tortillas, the rice, the refried beans, etc.).

Out to breakfast? I order from the "side dish" menu: 1 egg, 2 slices turkey bacon, plain yogurt, or something similar. Sure, this is usually the expensive option, but that's ok, you're worth the expense!

That's my biggest advice (beyond planning ahead, looking at the nutrition info on a website, etc etc etc): put the cost aside. So what if ordering the sides in a breakfast place is double the cost of the $1.99 breakfast special with pancakes, eggs, sausage, etc.! Sure, you won't eat the entire dinner - in fact much of it will be uneaten - but it's ok, you're worth it! I don't like wasting food but I no longer have a problem eating just the protein and veggies from the fajita meal, for example. Eat only what is healthy and put yourself first!

I hope my ideas are helpful!! Have a great time!!