Dining out frustrations

#1

Tuesday is my anniversary and instead of going to a “chain” restaurant we are trying someplace new. The restaurant is used to catering to a more elite crowd, I guess one could say, than a typical chain restaurant as the town is based on horse racing and the population in general has money to blow, so I am hoping they are used to accommodating diets/preferences pickier than mine. I’m trying to do research for their NYE menu ahead of time and it seems to be smaller than the average night and is missing some of the regular entrees I was considering for a meal. I’ve emailed about some ingredients and a possible idea of carbs, but honestly am torn as to just what I should do. I won’t go whole hog and order dessert, or something with potatoes, etc, but am thinking that maybe I will ignore the carb count for a soup I want as well as the entree? I’m usually relatively strict with ingredients too, so am thinking that maybe I will ignore those, as long as the carbs are decent. This will be my first “cheat” meal since I started keto back in Jan. I’ve done so well with not eating anything off plan that I feel like I’m letting myself down.

Melissia

(squirrel-kissing paper tamer) #2

Melissa, it’s your choice to go off plan but I think I would ask myself which is causing me more stress: research and communication with the restaurant about nutrition or eating one off plan meal. I personally eat the meal, enjoy the company, focus on the event and what it means vs the temporary food on my plate. But if you think eating off plan will derail a year’s worth of progress and you won’t stop there, then don’t do it.

Best wishes in whatever you decide.

#3

The good part is I know it won’t derail me. The lack of transparency in nutrition/ingredients is frustrating because I’m following keto to control my diabetes so it’s not entirely worrying about going out of ketosis so much as not having my numbers spike. Logically I know one meal won’t make or break my numbers, but anxiety is a bear and isn’t letting me stay logical about it. You’d think it would be easy as I’ve had a few cortisone shots and dealt with those spikes for the few days after without it having a noticeable impact on my a1c

(Scott) #4

just get a meat and some veggies and enjoy.

('Jackie P') #5

I eat out . . "A lot "! . Most places know me, I have never had a problem. I study the menu and then I smile sweetly and say, “I don’t eat carbohydrates. … could you do me . . .” And then just say what you do and don’t want! I find the phrase "I don’t eat carbohydrates " is becoming increasingly universal :blush:

(Lazy, Dirty Keto 😝) #6

Agree with Jax. I eat out fairly often, maybe once a week. Most places are very accommodating. I’ve gotten cheesesteaks in a bowl, burgers with no bun, just meat and veggies, Cesar salad without croutons, etc. Just ask and I’m sure they’ll work with you!

ETA - I’ve even gone to a hibachi restaurant and had them make me the meat with none of the sauce, and then got extra vegetables (no sauce) in place of the rice and noodles.

(Susan) #7

Whether you decide to ask them to switch it up a bit for your preferences, or to just order directly and have an off-Keto night, have a fabulous dinner and enjoy yourself with your partner, and Happy Anniversary =).

(Marianne) #8

Is this your keto anniversary or your wedding anniversary? Congratulations, either way.

My husband and I eat most of our meals at home, just because it’s so expensive going out when ordering a good cut of meat. When we have gone out, I usually order a strip steak (with butter), which is usually a good size. I’ll get that, asparagus or broccoli, if they have it, and a nice salad with blue cheese dressing. It is a delicious meal and totally keto.

I know it is nice to go out for special occasions, but you could also consider picking up a rib roast, making a wicked soup, some veggies or a salad, and some keto cocktails. We just picked up a six lb. rib roast (boneless but then bones tied back), for New Year’s Eve, just the two of us. They tend to be on sale this time of year. We did this last NYE and it was great.

Whatever you decide to do, celebrate your accomplishments, eat well and don’t feel guilty! You have demonstrated that you are dedicated to this WOE.

(Michael - When reality fails to meet expectations, the problem is not reality.) #9

OMG. You’re worse than me! Even I eat the croutons. I ask for ‘lots of’ mayo on the side and dump that on top. Of course, I only eat ‘out’ a couple times per year, so it’s not a big deal. Of all the places I’ve tried here in North Vancouver, McDonalds has the best Chicken Caesar Salad.

#10

I’m going to have to start asking for more modifications when I go out to eat, that’s for sure! I didn’t go crazy fretting over ingredients and ended up having lobster bisque, filet mignon with a demi-glace, lobster tail, haricots vert and a glass of reisling. Not too bad on the carb guessing, my sugar wasn’t too horrible after (deliberately didn’t take any humalog due to the alcohol) and I don’t feel ill or off this morning. Maybe next time I go out I won’t be so hesitant to order a cream soup like lobster bisque. Thanks for the support all :slight_smile:

(Bob M) #11

Cream soups usually aren’t too bad, though they are probably thickened with roux. The cream (and protein) should help limit the blood sugar excursion, though.

For things like croutons, I usually take them off. I try to avoid any salad dressing, as I’m more concerned about PUFAs than carbs at times. I usually ask for oil and vinegar and hope it’s real olive oil.

(Marianne) #12

Sounds like a wonderful meal.

(Marianne) #13

I frequently make my own cream soup that is absolutely delicious - butter, cream and cheese, small amount of xanthum gum for thickening. Wonderful.

(Susan) #14

That sounds like a delicious anniversary meal, I am glad that you enjoyed yourself =).