PhotoNut
12-25-2006, 10:18 AM
I know that many of us FEARED going out to eat after being banded. We also FEARED that we would lose the social aspect of eating out with friends. But I'm here to tell ya that there is nothing to fear!
I get more enjoyment from dining out with friends now than I did pre-banding. I no longer focus on the food, I focus on friends. Eating out with a table full of bandsters is a treat because everyone doesn't go quiet while stuffing their faces! There's more time for talking and enjoying the company of friends.
I no longer walk out of the restaraunt feeling like a stuffed pig, miserable from stuffing so much unnecessary food into my pie hole!
And (this is a big one) I no longer have to find tables with lots of aisle room for my chair. I can sit in booths or ever offer to sit at the back of the table where there's not much room behind my chair! :woot:
There are a few things to do while eating out that guarantee success. Many of which are going to come naturally because of the limits your band places on you. I got this email from SparkPeople today that I thought I'd pass on to everyone. Its exactly what I try to do when eating out.
If you haven't visited SparkPeople yet, please do! It's an excellent site filled with fab nutritional information, a place to log your food, message boards and more! Check it out at: http://www.sparkpeople.com
Beating Restaurants at their Own Game!
Dining Out Tips
-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian
Does your favorite restaurant serve piles of tempting foods on platters rather than plates? Are the biggie-sized meals at fast food restaurants trapping you into overeating? How do you deal with a bountiful breadbasket? Eating out is fun and relaxing, but you can make it healthier. Use these tried and true suggestions the next time you lock up the kitchen and step out for a meal:
Never go out while hungry. You’ll find yourself nibbling on everything that comes your way.
Foods that are grilled, baked, steamed or broiled provide healthy, flavorful alternatives. Ask how an entrée is prepared to ensure that your selection is not swimming in butter or other fattening sauce.
For pasta selections, choose a marinara sauce instead of a white cream sauce.
Order a healthy appetizer, salad, or small-sized entrée for your meal.
Select white chicken or turkey meat rather than dark meat, and have the skin removed.
Avoid the "all you can eat" and buffet-style restaurants.
Split a meal with a friend.
Get a doggie bag before the meal and put in a portion of the food when it is first served.
Avoid foods that have been prepared in heavy cream.
Eat slowly! Put your fork down between bites. It takes the stomach about 20 minutes to realize that it is full.
Order your salad or potato with the dressing, butter, sour cream, gravy and other extras on the side.
Trim all visible fat from meat.
Select fresh fruit, sorbet or frozen yogurt for dessert.
Watch the alcohol… it is loaded with calories and can lower your defenses against food, causing you to eat more.
Beware of the breadbasket. It comes early and can be refilled several times. Ask that it be brought with the meal and limit yourself to one serving.
Water is your best beverage choice. Order diet pop, tea, and coffee with artificial sweetener. Go light on the sugar and cream.
Don’t be afraid to special order menu items.
I get more enjoyment from dining out with friends now than I did pre-banding. I no longer focus on the food, I focus on friends. Eating out with a table full of bandsters is a treat because everyone doesn't go quiet while stuffing their faces! There's more time for talking and enjoying the company of friends.
I no longer walk out of the restaraunt feeling like a stuffed pig, miserable from stuffing so much unnecessary food into my pie hole!
And (this is a big one) I no longer have to find tables with lots of aisle room for my chair. I can sit in booths or ever offer to sit at the back of the table where there's not much room behind my chair! :woot:
There are a few things to do while eating out that guarantee success. Many of which are going to come naturally because of the limits your band places on you. I got this email from SparkPeople today that I thought I'd pass on to everyone. Its exactly what I try to do when eating out.
If you haven't visited SparkPeople yet, please do! It's an excellent site filled with fab nutritional information, a place to log your food, message boards and more! Check it out at: http://www.sparkpeople.com
Beating Restaurants at their Own Game!
Dining Out Tips
-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian
Does your favorite restaurant serve piles of tempting foods on platters rather than plates? Are the biggie-sized meals at fast food restaurants trapping you into overeating? How do you deal with a bountiful breadbasket? Eating out is fun and relaxing, but you can make it healthier. Use these tried and true suggestions the next time you lock up the kitchen and step out for a meal:
Never go out while hungry. You’ll find yourself nibbling on everything that comes your way.
Foods that are grilled, baked, steamed or broiled provide healthy, flavorful alternatives. Ask how an entrée is prepared to ensure that your selection is not swimming in butter or other fattening sauce.
For pasta selections, choose a marinara sauce instead of a white cream sauce.
Order a healthy appetizer, salad, or small-sized entrée for your meal.
Select white chicken or turkey meat rather than dark meat, and have the skin removed.
Avoid the "all you can eat" and buffet-style restaurants.
Split a meal with a friend.
Get a doggie bag before the meal and put in a portion of the food when it is first served.
Avoid foods that have been prepared in heavy cream.
Eat slowly! Put your fork down between bites. It takes the stomach about 20 minutes to realize that it is full.
Order your salad or potato with the dressing, butter, sour cream, gravy and other extras on the side.
Trim all visible fat from meat.
Select fresh fruit, sorbet or frozen yogurt for dessert.
Watch the alcohol… it is loaded with calories and can lower your defenses against food, causing you to eat more.
Beware of the breadbasket. It comes early and can be refilled several times. Ask that it be brought with the meal and limit yourself to one serving.
Water is your best beverage choice. Order diet pop, tea, and coffee with artificial sweetener. Go light on the sugar and cream.
Don’t be afraid to special order menu items.