Eating out when dieting

[TnWalker]

I was wondering if some of you who are trying to lose weight could make some dining suggestions to prevent me from getting in too much of a rut.

Some of my staples when dieting are ...

Popeyes
3 blackened tenders (170 cal)
Mashed potatoes (110 cal)
Biscuit (260 cal) - only if I'm doing good

Panera
Most soups are good and range between (150-350 per bowl)
French baguette adds 180 cal

Chick Fil-A
8 count nugget (260 cal)
Fruit bowl (45 cal)

Bojangle's kids meal
2 supremes (180)
Mashed potatoes (120)
Green beans (35)

I know that's a lot of chicken. What else do you guys eat?

 

[kiddiedoc]

Looks like a lot of carbs there. Panera has some great high-protein salads, Chick-fil-a does a good grilled chicken wrap, 6" subway with double meat and all the veggies, Wendy's has a couple of good salads and chili, Arby's has some healthier sandwich options...

Universal ideas when eating out: avoid fries/potatoes/chips with your meal, try to find some veggies and fruit, and avoid sugared drinks like the plague.

 

[Coug]

I've heard crazy things in particular about Wendy's salads and how ultimately they are not as healthy as you might think. Especially when you top them off with whatever dressing you get.

Generally it's better to stay away from fast food when dieting.

 

[ruger1234]

I like Arby's midsize roast beef sandwich. Throw the top half of the bun away.

 

[Creeker]

I just try to make better choices. Avoid the bread when eating out. Substitute veggies in place of fries or potatoes. Usually saves some money doing that too.

 

[volsarelife1]

Eating a healthy meal at home. The best way.

 

[n_huffhines]

I diet, but I don't really eat anything healthy at chains* that I could recommend to you. I do know of a book called "Eat This, Not That" that gives you a quick rundown of the worst menu items and the best items at popular chains. I was shocked to find out the chicken sandwich I liked at McD's was 300 calories more than a Big Mac.

*If I eat out, it's because I'm not dieting or because I'm rewarding myself for dieting.

 

[Aesius]

My go-to meal at restaurants when I'm trying to slim down is usually just a big steak with veggies. Water to drink. I've found that steak is really the only meat that is filling if I don't pair it with any carbs.

 

[YorkVol]

I thought this thread was going in a much different direction, one that was at least calorie free if not calorie burning when done well. Forgive me.

 

[Coug]

I thought this thread was going in a much different direction, one that was at least calorie free if not calorie burning when done well. Forgive me.

I've heard celery and packing peanuts are negative calorie foods.

 

[VOLALUM]

If you like Moe's or Chipotle, they can do their salad without the shell. I usually get it with double chicken or half a scoop of guac. You end up around 350 cal for lunch, no chips and salsa.

Zaxbys also has good salads, just have them leave off the fried onions.

 

[TnWalker]

I agree with many of the comments here. I realize that starchy foods (and breads) aren't great and, really, fast food in general isn't always the best. However, I'm often on the go and have to resort to something quick. Popeyes was counterintuitive to me, but their blackened tenders are delicious and low-cal. They also have green beans, but I'm not a fan of theirs for some reason.

I've been using a simple calorie-counting method to lose weight ... 22 lbs since late May. Just wanted to know if there were other obvious options I was missing.

 

[MG1968]

McAllister's choose 2:

Savannah chopped salad 240 calories
Chicken tortilla soup 160 calories

 

[ruger1234]

I agree with many of the comments here. I realize that starchy foods (and breads) aren't great and, really, fast food in general isn't always the best. However, I'm often on the go and have to resort to something quick. Popeyes was counterintuitive to me, but their blackened tenders are delicious and low-cal. They also have green beans, but I'm not a fan of theirs for some reason.

I've been using a simple calorie-counting method to lose weight ... 22 lbs since late May. Just wanted to know if there were other obvious options I was missing.

Calorie counting is fine . But you have to remember that that calories from fat and protien will leave you satisfied much longer than simple carbs.