OUR EATING OUT GO TO'S
My rule of thumb is to start with a solid protein source and then pair it with a low calorie side like a salad (no croutons and dressing on the side) or raw, grilled or steamed veggies.
BBQ Places
Grilled chicken breast or grilled turkey
Green beans
Beans
Steak Restaurants
I usually go with grilled chicken, grilled sirloin, grilled fish or grilled pork and then I’ll pair it with a low calorie side like green beans, grilled or steamed asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and things like that. Potatoes are higher calorie so plan ahead if you get them.
Burger places
I get a regular burger or a grilled chicken sandwich but I would avoid the fries unless you can make them fit.
Mexican Food
Tacos or fajitas with corn tortillas and I try to stay away from rice and beans because they are high calorie and all carbs. Have a snack before you go so you aren't tempted to overeat chips and queso.
Chick-Fil-A
Market salad with grilled chicken and light balsamic dressing
Regular nuggets
Grilled cool wrap
Grilled nuggets
Grilled chicken sandwich
I usually go with a fruit cup for a side since waffle fries are higher calorie and all carbs
Chipotle
Barbacoa or chicken burrito bowl
Light rice or no rice
Light sour cream
Light cheese
Lettuce
Salsa verde
Popeyes
5 blackened chicken tenders
Green beans
McDonald’s
Bacon and eggs for breakfast
Egg McMuffin
Taco Bell
Chicken or beef crunchy tacos
Wendy’s
Grilled Avocado BLT Chicken Sandwich
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Chicken nuggets
Grilled Asiago Ranch Chicken Club
Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger
Parmesan Caesar Chicken Salad
Dairy Queen
Tacos
Grilled chicken sandwich
Grilled chicken salad with light ranch
Hunger Buster
Whataburger
Grilled chicken sandwich
Grilled chicken salad
Apple and cranberry chicken salad
For dressings I use fat free ranch, herb vinaigrette, honey pepper vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette
Panera
Half Chipotle Avocado Melt, and vegetable soup
Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich
Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken
Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken
Caesar Salad with Chicken
Salata
The chipotle chicken, herb chicken or salmon for protein will be the lowest calorie.
I get the low fat mango dressing, balsamic vinegar or sun dried tomato dressing and add all the veggies and fruit.
Zoe’s
Cauliflower rice bowl with salmon or chicken
Taco Cabana
Crispy or soft chicken or beef tacos
Rosas
Crispy beef or chicken tacos
Fiesta chicken salad
Chilis
Grilled sirloin
Ancho Salmon
Margarita Grilled Chicken
For sides I usually go with asparagus or grilled veggies
Chuys
Hatch green chili chicken tacos but I think they only serve them on a certain day as one of the specials
Soft tacos with either chicken or ground beef
Chicken fajitas with corn tortillas without the rice and beans. Rice and beans are high calorie and high carb so I only get them if I know I can make them fit.
Texas Roadhouse
Sirloin steak
Grilled salmon
Grilled shrimp
Any of the grilled chicken options!
For sides we usually go with fresh vegetables, sautéed mushrooms or green beans because they are the lowest calorie.