Hey gals. So...ive sighted one of my downfalls and need some advise. I am a college student, and a mommy to a toddler. I also care-take for my grandparents. I run errands, pay bills, and etc. So, seeing im out and about often, especially paying bills, going to appointments, all of this done with my toddler, I find myself going to convenient places for my son and I to eat. Like today, I went to k-mart to pick up a few things, it was past lunch time, so I decided to grab some lunch at Little Caesars. I came home and added up the points....it went over my limit..and I felt terrible...that I just ate "whatevers" for dinner....kinda like a binge! And...didnt even log it. So, above all, I realize that this is my downfall. But I was also thinking if I had brought lunch with me....I would have to pack a lunch for my son, and then we would have to find a place to eat it......and thats a lotta hassle for me.

Any suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I'm a big fan of eating at grocery stores "on the go." Many modern ones have eating areas, and places where you can order a salad, sandwich, sushi, prepared foods (only some of which are healthy), etc. Even a "regular" grocery store has a wealth of healthy food for people on the go: prepared veggies, fruits, cottage cheese and yogurt in small containers, tuna in packets, imitation crab (my toddler loved this stuff), nuts, whole wheat apple or fig bars in the bulk section for treats, etc.

A trip to the grocery store is just about as fast as fast food, it's healthier, it offers nearly endless variety, and, depending on what items you choose, you get far more nutrition and variety for your food dollar.

A bonus: thanks to the grocery store, my son doesn't even show interest in fast food outlets. (Well, except when McDonald's advertises some toy on TV that he wants. Grrr.)

Kim

Since you know where you are running you errands and what places are in that area you can pre plan where you get your food and the points. I'm in my car quite a bit for work and this is generally what I do. I pack a lot of snacks too just in case I'm not comfortable with my choices and I just eat a late lunch when I get back to the office. Basically you just have to plan, plan, plan. It used to bother me that I couldn't be so spontaneous but I have decided to save my 35 flex points for that and to plan at least one fast food day a week but still not go crazy with that.

hey huniebunie,

It does take planning or at least preparing. First, if you can, find a copy of the WW "Dining Out Companion" and keep it in the car or your purse (I've seen them on ebay). That way, no matter where you end up, you can probably figure out what you might want ahead of time.

It doesn't have every restaurant, but the major ones are in there. Look through the places you frequent and highlight your faves or the lower point options. Over time, you'll become familiar with the values at the usual places.

If you can't get that book or don't find the places in there, go the restaurant websites and look for menus and nutrition info. Print a copy or pick up a menu next time you are there. I go through the menu and write points down on it and/or highlight my best options.

This has led me to avoid some places all together either because there isn't anything low enough on the menu (IMHO) or they don't supply enough nutrition info for me to make an informed decision. For example, Sonic and iHop fall in these 2 categories. Sonic's burgers are appallingly high in fat and iHop doesn't provide clear nutrition information (at least the last time I checked). McD and Denny's have better choices for a comparison.

Some places are tricky - items that from their description appear to be great choices end up having a lot of hidden fat or sugar. (I ran into this with Panera Bread- most of their sandwiches should be shared and even then they are really high. Although, I think they recently introduced some better choices which I haven't tried yet.)

The bottom line is you have to plan as likenoother said. Her suggestion to always have a snack with you is also good. I always throw a meal bar (SB or Kashi) in my purse for those times my errands take way too long. There are lots of choices for those and some both you and your son might like.

Take a couple pieces of fruit ( or apples) or some nuts (almonds or peanuts) and even the pre-wrapped string cheeses can tolerate staying out of the fridge for a few hours. And water of course. Never leave home without it. If I have something to nibble on that is around 3-4 points, that will usually tide me over until I get home, if it's between meal times.

Also, somewhere on the internet , there is a site with restaurant lists and points values. Maybe someone else knows it. It's a challenge, but not insurmountable. Good Luck!

Fabulous suggestions!!!! Thanks everyone! Planning ahead has never been my forte...however, im slowly getting used to it. Ive got a sinus infection...(i thought it was just a cold..till i had a high fever) blah....and im doing the hugest load of laundry ever...and cleaning...*sigh* a womans work is never done...lol....so thankfully I can eat as planned today...but tomorrow is another story.lol. I suppose "meals on wheels" is what I have planned.lol. Thanks again for all the suggestions!!!

The website is www.dwlz.com. She has so many restaurants on there it is unbelievable. The depth of detail is amazing too (ie, with mayo, w/mayo, etc). I think you can get high tech with it too and get it on your palm pilot. I always visit that site when making decisions. Matter of fact I used this past Friday for Wendy's.

I agree with all the suggestions here. However, I would suggest that you do what works best for you. If you really look forward to eating out, save your points or go with somoen that will help you stay focused or eat off the kids or appetizer menu. If you are disciplined then i would try eating out as much as possible but we all really look forward to getting out and enjoying something differant. Reember, you can do this. Sometimes just repeating that really helps.