So, my bday is on Saturday and DH and I are going out to dinner. We even have a baby sitter for DD. We have had an Olive Garden gift card in our possession since Christmas (may be a record, normally, it would have been gone QUICK!). But, I started a new way of life, and well, we just haven't gone since then. We're trying to conserve cash, so since we already have the gift card, we figured it would be good to use it up.

I might cheat a bit, but I'm planning on no bread for me, light dressing for the salad. I may get dessert and I may drink. So, I'd like my meal to be as okay as possible. Any suggestions? What would you eat in that case?

Hi Jennylou!

Happy Birthday!

Good for you for getting out and enjoying yourself. Fortunately, Olive Garden has their menu online, so you can do some research beforehand. They also note entrees that are "low fat", so you can have some guidance. Personally, I'd head toward protein with veggies (the salmon looks good!), and avoid pastas and anything with a cream sauce. You might also try loading up on green salad (go easy on the dressing! ) and then eat half your entree and pack up the other half, especially if you're planning on dessert.

That said, go out and enjoy your birthday. Try not to stress about it too much. After all, it is only one meal. Whatever happens, just hop back onto plan the next day and you'll be fine.

Enjoy yourself!!

cheers!
paula

Happy Early Birthday!!! Unfortunately, I can't stand the Olive Garden, but I do know their food is rather salty, so be careful!! And enjoy your night out!!

i just went on sunday. i loaded up on the salad and ordered the broiled salmon. i comes with steamed broccoli, i substituted the broccoli for asparagus( can't stand broccoli) also they have a flourless choc cake. the salmon was very light. it is brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with seasoning. you can ask for no salt. good luck and happy birthday

Hi,
congrats on the Bday , I took a look at the menu online, because I have never been to Olive garden and they do have an online Menu. They also have a list for low fat food and calories. So you can know what you are eating. But they said the Shrimp prima? somthing, was low fat and it has 700+ calories. So it may be low fat but high in calories. Just check it out and have fun. Cheryl

good for you for planning ahead. I know for me that usually helps because I know just what I want (don't bother grabbing the menu so you won't be tempted by something else).

I'd ask for the light dressing on the side (they have a very different idea about what we need, usually!), ask for light or no oil in your dish, spit the dessert, and have a vodka and seltzer style drink to save calories. Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday JennyLou!!
Enjoy your night out!!!
-Jan

Thanks for all the suggestions ladies! I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing yet, but I'm excited to go out on a date with just my husband!

We also have a BBQ tomorrow and my DDs baptism on Sunday, so I need to think fairly smart. At least the baptism brunch will be food all cooked by me, so it will all be OP.