This was my first of 2 weekends in a row that I will be having a couple meals out. This weekend it was b/c of going out w/friends for plans, and next weekend is because of my birthday. I used to not really think about these days because I'd just save up flex & use them then. Now though, I'm not even really tempted by the "bad" stuff, the good stuff is what I'm attracted to!
Last night we went to Carlos O'Kelly's. I was visiting my old college town to see a friend. That's one of the places we don't have in my town, so I wanted to go there. I also knew that they had a lighter fare menu (albeit small). Staying OP wasn't debateable. There's no reason you shouldn't be able to go out, or else eat crap when going out, as long as you PLAN. PlanPlanPlan!
I opened the menu and didn't even bother reading about the cheesy, calorie-ridden stuff I used to get, I looked at my 4 lighter fair choices, and chose between those. I chose to have the Pico Enchiladas. Instead of being covered in cheesy sauce, it had a big scoop of pico & sour cream. Instead of being filled w/cheese, it had spinach, mushrooms, and onions. I ordered the 2 enchilada meal, but I only ended up eating 1 because it was so loaded w/stuff. They served it w/lettuce, tomatoes, and some cheese on the side, as well as rice (then I had a small order of beans)... so after only 1 enchilada, and not even eating all my sides, I was full! I left food on my plate!
Afterwards, the plan was to get ice cream. ColdStone to be exact. Which has WONDERFUL tasting ice cream. But considering what I used to always get is between 15-20 points, no way was I even considering that! I didn't think twice about my decision to get the smallest size they had of Sinless Sweet Cream. A mere 3 points per serving. Instead of the 12 point Cake Batter ice cream. Does cake batter taste better? Yes. But do I feel better for having eating te sinless sweet cream? HELL YES! I also got 2 add-ins with it: caramel & sprinkles. They added 2 additional points to my ice cream, but they also made it taste so good, and I forgot I was even eating the non-fat variety. The caramel gave it more sweetness, and the sprinkles gave it texture, which diverted from the less creamy texture of the ice cream. I was very proud of myself about the ice cream, as ice cream is one of my two main weaknesses (the other being cheese!)
Then today I went to the farmer's market w/my friend. I got lots of veggies (broccoli, corn, tomatoes, green beans, and a squash (never cooked it before... any recipes for butternut squash?). After the market, my friend wanted to get breakfast. Breakfast food is also another weakness.... but not today! I ordered all a la carte. I got an English muffin, an order of egg beaters, and a slice of ham.... I was going to make my own McMuffin! Only thing is, I forgot to tell them no butter on my muffin.... I was a little bummed about that... but I decided only to eat half the English muffin w/my eggs & ham. Then I also got a small fruit plate. Much more satisfying than a huge order of biscuits & gravy would have been.
It probably sounds like I'm bragging... and I guess I kind of am... but my hope is that it inspires other people when they're in less than ideal meal situations. My birthday is next Saturday, and we'll be going to Olive Garden. I will have some points saved up to indulge in dessert on my day, but as for my meal, I'll plan ahead & go into the restaurant knowing what I'm about to order.
5 comments:
I typically cut my butternut squash in half lengthwise, gut out the seeds, and microwave it until tender. You can add a bit of butter and pepper to taste, if preferred.
Yeah! you did a great job. That is what always kills me...the eating out. I created a blog as well now so you can visit if you like: http://www.settingherfreeweightloss.blogspot.com/
It's okay to brag about making good choices. :) Especially when we've often made so many BAD choices in the past. Or still want to make them, really. But we know the GOOD choices are GOOD for us. :)
Congrats on the good choices and on the soon-to-be birthday. Save up plenty of flex points for your celebration!
Princess Dieter
Congrats on all the great, healthy choices that you've made! You SHOULD be proud of yourself! That is quite an accomplishment given the temptations that abounded! Good for you!
Two of my weaknesses have always been ice-cream and cheese, too. I now buy only fat free frozen yogurt or 100 calorie Fudgsicle Premium Fudge Bars. And the other night hubby and I went for a drive and we were in the mood for an ice-cream cone. We got a cone at McDonald's, and it was only 150 calories because it's made from low-fat ice-milk. That little treat fit nicely into my calories for the day. Normally, I would have had a Choc. Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Dieting isn't about depriving ourselves... it's simply about making the right choices.
Keep up the good work. You're doing great so far... and I know you will continue to do so! :)
WOw girl! You have got it IN CONTROL! Woot woot! So impressive! I have no doubt at all you got this battle beat already! I can't stress enough how great that was!
Butternut squash recipes? A simple way I make it is to peel it and dice it into cubes, toss it with chunked carrots and/or potatoes, EVOO, salt and pepper and another other seasoning you like - basil and oregano work well and just roast them in the oven. YOu can also drizzle maple syrup over it too for a little sweet treat on it.
I also make a really awesome Butternut Bisque recipe which is about 4 or 5 points per serving, but is soooo delicious. I'm going to post it on my blog when I make it again and it's about that season, so stay tuned!
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