Restaurant tonight -- what do I eat?

I can't be of any obvious help -- as I have no clue where I am going. Making plans doesn't go exactly well when the person who is making them decides everything last minute. Anyway, what are some good choices to make today and for tonight? I have a cal goal of 1250 as told to me by CC. Do I skip big meals today to allow for more wiggle room tonight? Or do I eat normally today and skip dinner that will surely be over my cals? OR, I can eat here and there today, and eat half of whatever I have for dinner? Do you have any suggestions? This is the first time I am making a decision about what to have at a restaurant and actually stick with my diet at the same time.

Going to a restaurant is hard, but there is usually something you can have.  Don't be deceived by salads as often the dressing and toppings can add a real punch in calories.  Do tell them to put stuff on the side or just leave things out altogether.  I usually stick to grilled anything as that is the healthiest cooking method and try to get more veggies as my sides (assuming they don't drench them in butter!)

Don't eat an appetizer unless its like brothy soup in order to fill you up so that you wont eat as much after and skip dessert.  Also drink water instead of alcohol, soda (unless its diet), or juice.

Original Post by ozmagirl:

Going to a restaurant is hard, but there is usually something you can have.  Don't be deceived by salads as often the dressing and toppings can add a real punch in calories.  Do tell them to put stuff on the side or just leave things out altogether.  I usually stick to grilled anything as that is the healthiest cooking method and try to get more veggies as my sides (assuming they don't drench them in butter!)

Don't eat an appetizer unless its like brothy soup in order to fill you up so that you wont eat as much after and skip dessert.  Also drink water instead of alcohol, soda (unless its diet), or juice.

Excellent suggestions !

The soup is a very good idea, since you feel full quicker ! You'll eat less of your main dish ! As for the grilled anything, it is indeed healthier ! 

Bon Appétit !

whenenver i go out to eat, i will get a salad, w/ dressing on the side (if there is a fat free option then great)... and also remove all cheese, bacon, or whatever else fatty topping may be on it.

Also, avoid anything fried and look for options that may be "grilled" "pan seared" "broiled".. and ask for any sides like baked potato with nothing on it, or veggies that are not buttered or anything (i ordered a side of broccoli once and it came slathered in butter!)

If eating at an italian restaurant, avoid all sauces that are creamy and stick w/ tomato sauces. Alfredo is a killer!!

Probably too late for you to do anything about it, but, dont skip meals today.  If you do, you will be ravenous by the time you get to the restaurant.

Yes to veggies and salad w/ no dressing.  Skip the alcohol.  Skip anything fried or with a sauce.  Try to choose from the poutry and fish families.  Beef is too many calories and besides, red meat isnt that good for your body.

Good luck!

All great suggestions above.  One more thing to add...stay away from the bread basket!!  Indulging in that is a diet killer!!  If you are only eating 1250 calories a day, eating some innocent looking bread with butter could use up half of your dinner calories.  It's amazing how much not eating the bread can help.

Enjoy!!

I have to eat out a lot with associates at differnet law firms so I have this down to a science.

A lot of the above suggestions are good, I would add ordering a hot tea seems to help fill me up before hand.  I usually try to order griled fish with veg.

Skip anything described as "creamy, crunchy, cheesy" or any variation of that 

here is the big one.... only eat HALF the plate!  Seriously the portions of everything are way way too much, esp for the meat and rice.  Think of it as getting two meals and pack the rest to go.   I jsut try to talk a lot during the meal, and then when everyone stops eating i do too.

Ok good luck!  have fun!

A few chain restaurants offer very good healthy meals, and some tell you the calorie/fat/carb content of the meal.  I have found the Weight Watchers menu at Applebees to be delicious and very low in cals.  Red Lobster has fresh fish which you can get grilled along with some asparagus (make sure you tell them no butter on the asparagus) for a really low cal and delicious meal.  Look for things like that and you'll be in great shape.