Any weekend tips?

[pjade1]

I was wondering what you all have for weekend tips for those of you that go out? What do you eat out like at fast food places or restaurants? Do you bring along snacks in your car and what kinds? I just don't want to starve if I am out and about. ~~Linda

[Terry]

Re: Any weekend tips?

I am headed for Applebees in a few minutes and opt for the salad there, but they also have steak. Fast food joints you can have burgers w/o buns, salad on the side. Most every where you go you can find something low carb. Feel free to ask the waitress/waiter as they can usually help you out. I do have a few slim jims in my car just in case I forget to eat and get to the point of nausea. It has happened. If I am out and about for a day, I pack a cooler with low carb items and as always................ my water!

[Finelly]

Re: Any weekend tips?

Good question! We might want to create a sticky with ideas.

First of all, I do not eat out much when I'm on Atkins. If my kids want fast food, I pick it up and make myself something to eat at home. We're sort of on a two-menu thing here at my house, with me cooking what I eat, and everyone either fending for themselves (I have a lot of stuff prepared they can take out and heat up) or I cook separately for them. Not that they eat unhealthily, it's just that I don't like or eat a lot of what they have.

Here's how I handle weekends:

1. On Thursday or Friday, I prepare a bunch of things to eat. I put a ton of snacks in little ziplock baggies or tiny tupperware containers. I can bring them wherever I go.

2. I always prepare at least TWO things to eat for the weekend that I don't normally eat during the week. Things that I can look forward to on Saturday and Sunday, so that if I pass up icecream, I can say to myself "that's ok, I have x at home and get to eat it tonight!" For me, because I am a sweet treat kinda person, they are sweet things.

3. I eat something (cheese stick, chicken wing, broccoli with ranch dressing) every 2 hours. THis keeps me from ever letting the blood sugar get so low that I actually want something carby.

4. If we're out shopping, and the kids want a smoothie or something, I will give them $ and send them next door while I sit at Starbucks enjoying an iced coffee with a dash of cream. Although it's not as good as my usual Grande Raspberry Mocha, I'm learning to really enjoy it. I know strategically in town where things are, and wherever there's a jamba juice or another smoothie place, there's a starbucks, guaranteed!

5. I do not have any friends who are not aware of my woe and supportive. Thus, I am guaranteed that I will not be out with ANYONE who will say "oh, just this once, what can it hurt?" or who will choose a restaurant that doesn't have something I can eat.

6. I know that whatever restaurant I go to will be able to fashion something for me to eat. It may not be right off the menu, but you'd be amazed (I was, at first, now take it for granted) what the wait staff and cooks will do if you explain what you need. This goes for everything from Denny's to Chile's to Olive Garden (who will actually bring me a salad with no croutons and keep the bread sticks away from me). (Olive garden, by the way, will create a dish of roasted veggies with alfredo sauce for you if you ask)

7. If I have to go to the mall (and with 3 teens and an 11 year old, it happens a lot right now, as we get ready for school) I always stop in at Claire's or someplace and get myself a pair of new earrings, or at one of the bath and body places and get myself a new lotion or something. This prevents me from trying on clothes and discovering they don't fit, or feeling badly that I can't buy myself a great-looking outfit.

8. If we go to the movies, we have dinner or lunch right beforehand. I have NO desire, then, for any popcorn or anything when we get there, since I am perfectly full.

9. I park far away from wherever I'm going. This lets me walk and keep moving.

10. I check in on the board frequently, as a sort of touch-stone for this woe.

Hope this helps!

[Starmaker]

Re: Any weekend tips?

Finelly you are a STAC STAR!!!

[Finelly]

Re: Any weekend tips?

Awwww......jeezzzzzzz............

[Terry]

Re: Any weekend tips?

She sure is................. Looks like another great sticky!!!!

Nobody says it better!