We have all been trying to make better food choices since joining NutriFit, whether you want to lose weight, improve your health, maximize your lean body mass, or simply not let your team down.
I have been so impressed with all of you!
The question this week has to do with a problem that will face most of us at some point or another. What do you do when you go out to eat? What do you choose when you have no time and need to grab something quick? Where do you like to go? What is a favorite menu choice? How do you alter it (if needed) to make it fit with your goals?
This past weekend was a big example of this as we were traveling. We would often have to grab something on the road, and we tried to encourage each other to choose good options. We would usually stop at the grocery stores for a bagel and yogurt or fresh fruit instead of eating at a fast-food joint. To make a healthy choice at a restaurant, I usually try to watch my portion size, as that's where I usually struggle. Sometimes I'll order an extra plate and ration it out so I only eat what I need. When it comes to ordering, I usually get what I want. We hardly ever eat out, so when we do, I treat myself to something that I really want, even if it's not the healthiest choice. I think that I have pretty good self-control and discipline when it comes to food, so it's not usually my biggest worry.
ReplyDeleteIn a perfect world I would eat at home everyday! Whenever we go out I look for a salad or a grilled chicken something. I do have some favs... When I am in a breafast rush I love McDonalds oatmeal, no sugar. Cafe Rio is delicious! Grilled chicken salad, no rice, no tortilla. I think before I eat anything... grocery stores are always better than the drive thru!
ReplyDeleteMy family is a very active family, so we rarely ever go out to eat. I think I have been to McDonalds like 3 or 4 times in my life. When we do go out though, we normally choose a sit-down restaurant, such as Chili's, The Pub, or The Pie. The most difficult thing about eating out now a days is the HUGE proportion sizes. I normally choose whatever I want to eat because we got out so rarely, and most of it ends up in a To-Go Box.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of question(s). I like grilled fish or chicken options with fresh veggies. I like eggs when in a hurry or a pb&j. My guilty pleasure is Mexican food. Alter a food coma with single items, smaller portions and avoid a lot of cheese or sour cream. I try to eat enough good stuff as not to have a sweet tooth. I like our home restaurant the best!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite place is Tsunami! I always order the same veggie roll(s) so I feel good about my choice when I leave. We love cooking at home so we don't go out to eat very often. Also, I am a planner...we usually spend Sunday nights preparing a couple of meals that we take as leftovers to work during the week so we avoid fast food. For something quick, we always have grapes, bananas, nuts and some type of leftover in the fridge to grab on the go. Mostly, I have to give props to Warner who cooks as much or more than I do which makes it easy to stay on track :)
ReplyDeleteI love Tsunami!
DeleteI second that Laura! I'll meet you there =]
DeleteYou know we run a pretty tight ship at the Dangerfield house (but have fun while doing it). We love to cook and plan out our weekly menu on Saturday mornings to allow for shopping. We rarely eat out, but when we do whatever I eat is "so worth the calories". We enjoy lots of different kinds of food and always bring leftovers for lunches. We also have a fruit bowl that sits on the counter that's loaded up on Saturday as well for the week. That's our grab and go options! We truly enjoy cooking and spending that time with family and friends and most of the time have healthy options to eat, except of course when Bryon makes his "killer" fusilli 3 cheese homemade mac and cheese (maybe twice a year!). SO GOOD!!
ReplyDeleteI raise you your fusilli for my homemade Mac and Cheese =] (charise can back it up)
DeleteYes I can!!
DeleteThanks for the food planning tip. We sat down this afternoon as a family and planned meals Sun-Thurs. Thanks and Love.
DeleteI would be happy to be an impartial/unrelated judge to this mac and cheese faceoff. Just let me know where and when and I'm there!
DeleteI try to check out the menu online before I go out to eat. Sometimes you can find a healthier version of something really yummy! And sometimes they have the nutritional values. I have my favorite go to places, Tsunami being one. And almost every restaurant has a grilled chicken salad, hold the cheese, dressing on the side. When i'm on the go and need to grab something quick, I grab almonds or a skim milk cheese stick and a piece of fruit.
ReplyDeleteLike many others, I try not to eat out often because 1) I would rather eat at home and 2) there aren't always the best healthy options when eating out. When I do eat out, I normally get something with chicken and vegetables. I'm not big on red meats or super greasy foods (although I have a french fry weakness if they are really good). In a hurry, I usually grab a fruit and a protein/granola bar; maybe a quick turkey sandwich. I like to go to small cafe's and restaurants that have natural and homemade foods.. which is why I usually would rather eat at home. Lot's of sandwich shops like Hagerman's Bakery in Draper, Zupas, Kneaders.. lots of protein, salads and soups.. that's my thaaang (:
ReplyDeleteI always try to keep it a protein and healthy carb combo. I really like Rumbi grill's chicken bowl with extra veggies and low brown rice, or Chick-Fil-A's spicy chicken wrap with the low cal Italian dressing, or the equivalent at another place...this is lunch-type stuff. For dinner, I love seafood (non-fried) and sushi!! I think the biggest issue in eating out is the portion sizes. They serve so much!! and it takes a conscious effort to stop when I'm full and not when my plate is clean...which I still need to work on. :/
ReplyDeleteand oh, I do splurge on a good, bad-for-me meal at a restaurant from time to time!! It keeps me sane. :)
DeleteLone Star Taqueria up in Fort Union area has amazing shrimp or fish tacos. The shrimp/fish is grilled or steamed (no fried coating) and the taco is full of peppers, onions, cabbage and pico de gallo. It is a pretty healthy choice that tastes great. It is even better with the jalapeno mayonnaise, but of course that adds more calories!
ReplyDeleteWhen we go out we buy meals the kids like and split it. I usually stick to salad w/chicken to fill up on veggies. I have in the past like Lia looked ahead o line and decided my meal. Instead of a beef burger I will get a turkey burger. I like the wraps also. I fill up on water and yes from time to time we do get chips and salsa. When we go to Olive Garden I get the unlimited salad and minestrone soup. I remember to get grilled or baked and stay away Fro the bread, fried, loaded, smothered type meals. At home we have started buying lots if veggies and fruit to grab as snacks. Also we limit the junk food and only get desserts occasionally. Trying to teach the kids from my past experience is starting to rub off :0). Frank on the other hand has been harder but with this challenge he is coming around slowly.
ReplyDeleteLean meats and salad on the side is usually what I like to order. I also never drink soda I always either order Lemonade or water. I try to stay away from sugar so I hardly ever eat dessert. I don't eat out a lot as it is but when I do this is how I do it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I eat out I always ask for a take out box right away. When I get my food, I immediately put half in the box to take home. I am not tempted to over eat that way!
ReplyDeleteLots of questions for a question of the week. =] I do love cooking at home and make plenty of healthy food options (you've had my food Miki!), anyway, I love cooking and try to get very creative w/ my food. Lots of fresh veggies and fruits sitting around.
ReplyDeleteWe also love to eat out and when I do it better be way better than what I would make. Michael and I also love Tsunami, I love eating at Market Street for the seafood. You can make healthy choices when you eat out if in a hurry, Wndy's has great half salads, subway has good sandwiches (I enjoy there breakfast options) and soups at Zupas (white bean veggie is my favorite. Red Butte Cafe in Salt Lake is good too. But when I want a treat worth ALL the calories I make my way to Tulie bakery in Salt Lake! A must.
My grab and go food is a piece of fruit either a banana or apple, protein shake for sure, and I never leave the house without my water bottle. I also keep a protein bar and almonds in my car or gym bag. =]
Michael eats what I pack him and we out where I usually want to go and he usually grabs what I give him on the go. =]
Mike and Sara =]
I can always go for a Cafe Rio Steak Salad. Lotsa greens in that one and the house dressing is so good (and yes it is not the healthiest). Eating healthier when going out just requires more of a conscious effort to not indulge too much. Basically, watch the portion sizes. Plus, I take my time eating and when my body says "I'm full" I am not afraid to throw away any extra food I may have (sometimes there is enough left for another meal so I get a to-go box).
ReplyDeleteEver since I started this challenge I have been very conscious about what I am eating. I have literally stopped drinking soda except for the occasional one as part of my "3 sweets". I typically would not eat breakfast because I am not hungry at all but have been forcing myself to eat something.
Drinking water has been the toughest. I like flavor and water has zero flavor. I know there are flavored drink packets but I am not thrilled with sugar supplements.
I can usually order a salad and lean meat when we eat out. I never order sugary or carbonated drinks, but have water instead. For quick food, Chick fil-a, three chicken tenders, and that's all. Protein satisfies my hunger much better than carbs and lasts longer. I have also learned to take nutritious snacks and a water bottle with me whenever I travel so I'm not forced to choose junk food at a convenience store.
ReplyDeleteCindy Felt
For quick snacks I usually grab a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, string cheese, hard boiled egg, or Greek yogurt. Our family plants a garden every year and try to freeze enough veggies and fruits to last us through the winter for smoothies, soups, and sides. We rarely go out to eat and when we do, I try to look at nutrition facts online and make the best choices I can.
ReplyDeleteEating out- A salad with some sort of protein is my go-to...i don't usually have dressing if theres enough StUfF on the salad, or I'll get it on the side. OR some sort of meat/fish with steamed veggies. I try to drink enough water (with lemon :)) before and avoid appetizers/breads.
ReplyDeleteMy go to snacks are apple/banana/celery with nut butter... sandwich meat+ carrots....dried fruit an nuts...hardboiled egg....and leftovers:)
I don't get fast food much but I agree with Sara, I like Wendy's salads. I like the Salads at Cafe Rio etc. and I get the whole wheat tortilla and just eat a little bit of it. At sit down places, I usually get a leaner meat and veggies. I also love Market Street for seafood--when I can get it, I love a blackened red snapper--really yummy.
ReplyDeleteFor snacks I like fruit, protein bar, a small smoothie (I can make a smoothie really fast these days so it can even work on the run), I also really like snacking on just plain popcorn--it fills my tummy pretty fast.
My goto food is always nachos, burritos, burgers Etc. However with the recent nutrifit challenge I have had to change things up a bite and eat salad, grilled chicken, Salmon with veggies and half portions. I have also been eating a lot of fruits and veggies. The places I like to eat, there is not enough room in the comments. (Anywhere and Everything)
ReplyDeleteWhen I eat out I look for the healthiest menu option. If it's not the healthiest, then I consider it a splurge because I rarely eat out. I generally avoid deep fried, cheesy, and creamy foods. When I'm in a hurry, I usually grab an apple, banana, carrots, snap peas, protein bar, or larabar.
ReplyDeleteNormally, if I'm being honest, I will eat what I want when I go out. However, I do portion better than I used to, which for me, has made a huge difference. I usually grab an apple, pear, or piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter. I love sushi restaurants, Zupas, Rumbi, I like to eat anywhere...A favorite menu choice at Rumbi is the brown rice chicken bowl. I do brown rice instead of white and choose chicken for protein.
ReplyDeleteI have been sticking to salads when we go out. But trying not toeat out as much!!! The no french fry thing is killing me!!! (The no french fry thing is me!!) If I am running out the door I grab a piece of fruit or on Sundays I cut up a bunch of veggies and grab a bag. I also have been drinking a slim fast!! :)
ReplyDeleteIf I eat out, I get the salad with dressing on the side option. Or a grilled chicken sandwich with no sauce. I have been keeping almonds and raisins in my purse for when I get in a crunch.
ReplyDeleteWhen I eat out, I try to get a veggie included (i.e., a salad or seasonal). For snacks I usually do a fruit, nuts, or veggie with dip.
ReplyDeleteIn the good ole' days (or not so Good), it was a free for all. Then, I hit a certain age and my body started changing/growing. I realized, thanks to Miki, that I couldn't eat that way. When we go out to eat, I will usually try to research the menu online before we go. My favs are Hispanic food and Diners. If we're eating Spanish food, I'll usually go for a Chicken Tostada, no rice or beans, add salad on the side and use the salsa as dressing. At Diners, I always go for a breakfast item. Veggie omletes and Cottage cheese on the side vs: those evil hashbrowns.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm on the go, I grab apples and string cheese. However, deep down I'm wishing I was eating Loaded Nachos. I'm human and I may treat myself to "special treats" sometimes, but I've learned if I do that now, I hit my elliptical for a solid hour.
I wish I could say we hardly eat out, but that would be far from the truth. I usually look at the lighter choices. As far as snacks I like jerky, cottage cheese with cracker, string cheese and edemoma is that how are spell it??
ReplyDeleteWe also eat out pretty much every weekend (just got back from outback-sqeezed the last bite in just before 9)
ReplyDeleteAlways think I'm going to eat healthy and not over do it but end up eating way too much every time. Dang flavored lemonades.
Tim!
DeleteFirst of all that salad looks yummy. I eat what I want when I go out to eat. It's not often that I get to treat myself to a dining out experience so I go big or go home. If I have no time to prepare something lately I've been grabbing a string cheese and a piece of fruit or sliced up bell peppers. Before meeting with Miki it probably would have been nothing. My favorite menu choice is dessert. I make it slightly healthier by sharing it or eating just a bite or two and bringing it home for my kids.
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid eating out because of the way it makes me feel after I've eaten. we try to cook healthy meals at home so we're able to control our portion size and the ingredients that goes into our food. It hasn't always been that way obviously... Even my family and my kids recognize how different it is to eat at home versus eating out eating out is fun because I can order something I wouldn't normally make at home because my family won't eat it; like fish or other seafoods. my goto in the summer when I'm at the baseball park is yogurt and berries or crackers with deli meat and a string cheese or v8 juice; as opposed to a burger or pretzel. after taking the Mikis nutrition class I feel like I'm better able to make positive choices without feelibg guilty when I enduldge in a double stuffed Oreo cookie... once in a blue moon ;)
ReplyDeleteWhen eating out I usually go with some kind of salad with chicken or some kind of meat and veggies. For on the go I like bananas and almond butter. I also have acquired a taste for pomegranates.
ReplyDeleteMmmmm, love pomegranates!
DeleteGreat way to modify!
ReplyDeleteI always go for the easiest and safest which is always salad I hate thinking and stressing about what im about
ReplyDeleteto eat and for on the go either a protein shake or some sort of fruit.
I order a lot of food. I usually order food that I can take for lunch the next day. Pasta, meat,. I don't stress about food. When I have no time I normally take whatever is the easiest. Its a bad habit.
ReplyDelete