One of the take away places that I used to frequent has a healthy menu (all of 5 items, LOL). It's basically some variation of meat with steamed vegetables, brown rice, and sauce on the side.

I go out to eat on a regular basis. I think Chinese food is one of the easier places to chose something fairly good for you. Try to choose something that has lots of vegetables in it. My favorite Chinese dish is General Tso's Chicken, but I haven't had it in about a year, now I typically get Chicken and Broccoli or Vegetables in garlic sauce. Usually I skip the rice, but if they offer brown rice I might decide to have some.

Although I wouldn't be afraid to suggest something else, I'm sure your friend just wants to hang out, so wherever you go is fine...tell her Chinese has been making you sick and you'd rather not deal with THAT...LOL!

I LOVE to eat out. It's my downfall. My thing lately has been sushi - and a LOT of it.
I would cut out the rice and do veggies and a small amount of chicken. Good luck, I know how hard this is!

GOOD POINT. & Awesome plan! Definitely sounds doable...

thank you notfat!

I feel the same way about eating out with friends or going to events where food is served. When I'm on a diet I like to track exactly how many calories I'm eating, and that's much harder to do when eating in a restaurant or at a catered event. Of course, I really shouldn't have this mentality because for long term success I have to learn how to just eat right and make good decisions. For eating Chinese out with a friend, we should realize that we can order a dish with lots of vegetables, some chicken, ask for no oil, get brown rice, not white, and keep the portion size reasonable and feel good about making a smart choice!

[QUOTE=Shmead;3148170]I just don't eat if there's nothing there that's worth the calories. I order coffee. If it's a big crowd of people, they likely don't even notice, and if they ask, I say something vague, like "I don't feel well" or "I have plans later" and then I always end with "I'm here for the company". If it's just me and a friend, they are probably a close enough friend that I can say "I can't break my diet, but I'd love to sit and drink coffee and chat".

The first few times you do this it feels really, really weird, but once you and your social circle get used to the idea that you don't always eat, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. Just don't draw attention to it--don't complain, don't explain (unless asked, and then keep it brief) and don't engage anyone if they try to talk you into eating. Just keep saying "No, I'm fine" and change the subject.

I think this is a good point. I have friends who are alcoholics who have learned to let others drink. I would have a glass of wine, and they wouldn't have any, and for a little while it is hard for friends to get used to...but they do. Sometimes they argue, especially if the "alcoholic" doesn't seem to have a big problem by their definition, (like my husband, who is a binge drinker, but most people don't think he has a drinking problem, because he only drinks once a week, and try to get him to drink....argh) .
Its not too different from those who think we should lose weight but bake for us or send us chocolates etc.
Learning to enjoy the company without overindulging is an important part of our weight loss efforts. Whether we eat lightly or not at all and just have tea or coffee, its up to US to deal with it appropriately....

A chinese buffet would be a serious temptation for me! My DH loves them but we haven't been to one since I started my diet. I guess I would start with soup. I love Hot and Sour soup. The buffets in our area usually have a salad bar as well. Most of the dishes though are some sort of fried chicken with a sauce. After the soup and salad I might have a very portion Imperial or Sesame chicken and just call it my cheat for the week. I think it's worth a couple of extra miles on the treadmill.