Soulnoid's Journal, 01 March 2012

I don't doubt that some places pad their nutrition info to make it seem healthier. I have found an honest and frank guide to be the book Eat This, Not That. Aside from listing the nutrition info for numerous chain restaurants (granted, some of that info does come from the chain's own websites) it gives great alternatives on the menus of those same places for eating healthier, and an extensive list of foods to avoid at all costs (see: Outback's Bloomin' Onion- Yikes!) Hope this helps. 

When dining out, I try to avoid the starches. I try to stick to proteins and veggies when possible. If not, then I get a sandwich or salad. If the bread looks too big, then I only eat one slice or if I think I am going to be under my target for the day, I will eat the bread. I try to keep breakfast as light as possible - eggs or oatmeal with fruit or maybe a yogurt. Salads are fairly safe if you avoid the cheese, croutons, and count any extras that are added and dip your fork in the dressing. The only other thing I can suggest is having healthy snacks available. Maybe take some food with you and put in the fridge or hit a quick mart when you get to your destination.  

I think it's hard to 100% trust the nutrition info that you get in restaurants. I prefer to think about all the ingredients, the proportions of each that I would use when cooking for myself, then make a guesstimate and only eat the portion size that I would at home. For example, I know that one portion of plain pasta at home is usually 261 cals, plus 50-ish cals for tomato sauce (I usually assume the restaurant one is double because they're not so health conscious), etc. Count calories for long enough and you can probably make a pretty good guess at the calories without help. This method has worked well for me so far, so I'm guessing that my workings are better than the restaurant's own workings! 

I personally dont believe the nutritional value of resturants. I used to work as a cook and food server and I know preparations and the massive amout of oils they use. Is this even a consideration I wonder. I am even wary of the lean selections. So much goes on in the kitchen and believe me they are not weighing and measuring everything. Fast food....oy who knows. As for the young lady. What have you got to lose by saying "Hi". If anything you might have a wonderful conversation and if not then it wasnt meant to be. One of the hardest things I am trying to learn is that no matter what happens it isnt personal. Think of it this way she doesnt know you so how could it be. Another thing is a woman who workouts loves to see a sweaty man do the same. :) Be confident. Be brave and great things will happen.