As I began my diet, one thing I did not want to give up was meals out with friends or the hubby. I knew this was something I had to figure out and quick. One of the first things I did was look up what I used to eat and compare it to a healthier option on the menu. Even if your local eatery doesn’t provide nutritional facts, you can usually find them online or find a close comparison. Let’s start with a restaurant we all know and love: McDonalds. 
I know I know I know. McDonald’s is a soul sucking corporation that blah blah blah. We all eat there when we have to right? Here’s a comparison on what I used to get to what I get now:
Large Coke, Big Mac, Large Fry 1340 Calories and 53 Grams of Fat
Cheeseburger Kids Meal 410 Calories and 17 Grams of Fat
While still not nutritious, this was an easy switch. I still got a burger. I still got fries, just less. Oh and they still give you a toy even when you are an adult!
Simple Switches
Here are some restaurant rules to ease anxiety when eating out. I guarantee any restaurant will have healthier choices, you just might not have looked before!
1. Dressing on the side – We’ve all heard it! It works. You don’t know how much they have put in if you don’t measure it yourself. Some salads have as much as a quarter cup of dressing on them, which makes them a worse decision thaa a sandwich with fries. It might feel healthier but is probably higher in calories. At one of my favorite Denver restaurants, Sam’s No. 3, they have a wedge salad with bacon, blue cheese and AN ONION RING ON TOP! The first time I got it it was drenched in dressing. The next time I asked for it on the side and they brought be a CEREAL BOWL of dressing. Yikes. Still a salad with an onion ring on top? Yes please.
2. Baked Not Fried – I love me s
ome chicken! However, I try to find a grilled chicken sandwich instead of fried. This can be especially hard if you are a wings lover. Most places fry their wings but you will occasionally find them baked if you ask. Did you know Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings are 100 calories a pop? Don’t worry. I cried too. Baked chicken is much less in calories and fat than fried. Also, then you don’t have to feel bad about having cheese on it or other condiments. If you’re only option is fried, eat half! My hubby and I order a sandwich split between the two of us at a local bar. They bring it out in two baskets and we usually end up with extra fries!
3. Buns – Eat half. Bread is not 
important to me although I know there are bread lovers out there. I’d rather eat the whole sandwich with half or no bun then eat half with. This might be hard for some of you. However, cutting out half of a huge restaurant style bun will save around 200 calories every time. Again, I’d rather eat other things!
4. Fried Awesomeness – You will never be able to hide from french fries, onion rings, tater tots and chips forever. AND they usually come as an automatic side to most dishes. If you don’t trust yourself not to eat them, ask for a side salad, fruit or veggies. Most restaurants will do the switch free of charge. However, like I said you can’t avoid them forever. It is FINE to have some but the usual portion is more than enough. Have just a few and then take them off your plate. Try to see how many you can have left after you feel full.
Especially at the beginning of losing weight, these switches will help you drop the pounds faster as well as feel hungry again sooner. You know the feeling of “Can Someone Please Roll Me Out To My Car?” after endless pasta and breadsticks? You’re not supposed to feel that way after eating a meal! Once in a blue moon for a special occasion is fine, but Thursday night? Not so much. Use these tips and stop when you’re full and you’ll feel much better!
As God is my witness – you are and have done all the right things!