Tips for Eating Out All the Time

Hello there, LP99 here.

I am going to a convention in about a week, from Friday afternoon to Sunday Afternoon. I will have to eat out for every meal, something that daunts me. I ate fairly healthfully when I went to the convention last year, but I wasn't on plan then.

I can pack some non-refrigerated extras, so any suggestions there?

I really need some help here, so any suggestions are More than welcome.

Thank you so much for any help! Please respond if you have any tips, or this sort of thing has happened to you before.

Apples, trail mix and oatmeal all travel well and a pre-measured portion or two of protein powder can also be useful in a pinch. I'd also add some crystal light packets or something else that you can add to water, which will help you to stay out of the coffee and soda and keep your water intake up. A couple of small treats might also be a good idea- sometimes they roll out plates of cookies and they're easier to resist if you have a small square of chocolate, fiber one brownie or something similar to munch on instead.

Breakfast is generally an easier meal for me to stay on track for. If there's a breakfast buffet, you'll have access to eggs, which are a great source of protein. If it's continental, there's usually a reasonably healthy cereal option or you can go for an english muffin or piece of whole grain toast with a reasonable amount of peanut butter (they'll probably have preportioned packets with the jellies). And add a piece of fruit, like an apple and you're set. You can even make instant oatmeal in your room by running hot water through the coffee maker in a pinch.

For lunches and dinners, fill up on protein (grilled or roasted) and salads with veggies (dressing on the side) or other vegetable options, especially steamed. Receptions can be tough but perrier with lime looks like a real drink If you allow yourself a drink, I'd often start with gin and tonic and then transition to perrier with lime so the difference is pretty seamless. Again, avoid fried things and creamy dips and stick to the veggie platter that is generally available. Although this is also a great place to sneak in something tasty as the portions are always small

Just a few of my tricks for travel. If you did it last year, I'm sure you can do it this year too. Just take it one choice at a time.

Thanks so much for those ideas, Natalie! I was thinking about taking oatmeal, but hadn't thought to heat up the water in the coffee maker. So smart!

Anyone else have any tips?

Have a portion of caramel mini rice cakes... they're only 10 calories a piece, and they're filling [because they're mostly air] and they satisfy the need to munch on something [sweet or otherwise...]

Know what your "trigger foods" are i.e. those foods that are toxic for you... the ones that you can't stop eating once you start, and STAY AWAY FROM THEM AT ALL COSTS!!!

As for eating out, become a person who can ask the server [waitress or waiter] how the dish is prepared, then ask them to have the cook make your dish to YOUR specifications. Don't be afraid to ask!!! It's their JOB to cater to the patrons!! And don't feel ashamed or scared to speak up!! The people you are eating with will respect you for it!

Happy New Year! and GOOD LUCK ON YOUR ENDEAVORS!!

Besides bringing food, go to this website http://eatthis.menshealth.com/restaurant_guided_search/all/all/all/all

If you are absolutly forced to eat out, this guide will help you to pick foods that won't derail your diet. I've gone to conventions before on a diet, and its as rough as the holidays!

I'm not on atkins, but when I dine out, I go for the proteins and vegetables. Usually those have more calories than if you were to cook at home, but still not as much as the starchy foods. I would suggest avoiding the rice, pasta, breads with lunch and dinner. If you can control yourself at a breakfast buffet, go for the eggs, fruits, wheat toast. Or you could take some packets of carnation instant breakfast and add to milk for a low calorie option - that way you have more calories for the rest of the day.

If you can use the gym there, or walk some that should help. But it is only a few days and as long as you commit to getting back on track the day after you get back, you should be fine!!
Good luck!

Thank you, asagohan and chereeguitar, that's really helpful. And asagohan, I will be forced to eat out for every lunch and dinner, and I will be taking oatmeal and a banana for every breakfast. I am excited, because now I have a plan! I will be eating Subway for lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and I will be eating McDonald's for dinner on Friday. I have planned out exactly what I will be being eating every day for lunch, and Friday night dinner. The only two unplanned meals are dinner on Saturday and Sunday, but I have a pretty good idea of what I'll be getting. Thank you guys for the help! Any more tips would be wonderful.

The hotel that I am staying in also has a pool, so I will be getting a good workout every day. I am PUMPED! I will be able to concentrate more on the convention then on my healthy eating plan. I am really excited about swimming, because as I lose weight I am getting more exciting about getting in a workout. I can't believe that I'm EXCITED about working out! That is really uncharacteristic of me, but I am so happy to go to this convention this Friday!

P.S. To NCNicole, I will be walking wherever I go, which will also help. I will be sure to check back in with you guys when I get home!