Minor threadjack below - before I do that, I just want to say that abstaining from food is neither inappropriate or extreme if you don't want to eat it. Also, a "Veggie Burger" at In-N-Out involves no burger, only the veggies that come on the burger, plus sauce and optional cheese, on a bun. They don't have a veggie patty (mostly because of what I'm going to get into below in the threadjack portion of our program). In my opinion, "to please someone else" is generally not a great reason to go off plan. I'd much rather go off plan because I WANT something.

It's really considerably better than most fast food, because it's made from actual ingredients, not frozen ingredient parts (meat is shipped in fresh, which is why most restaurants are close to the west coast, and you can literally watch them cut a potato into your fries. An ACTUAL potato. It may not be revolutionary in home kitchens, but it sure is for a fast food joint. McDonald's fries include 8 ingredients before you get into the oil they are fried in. In-N-Out is just...potatoes). It's not food that is GOOD for you, by any means. But more than any other fast food purveyor out there, it is real, actual, identifiable food.

To give you an idea of the scope of the difference, in Fast Food Nation, which was essentially a book that openly skewered the entire fast food industry, In-N-Out was offered up as a beacon of "what could be" - fresh ingredients, good treatment of employees (starting wage in CA is $10 an hour, which is way above minimum), policies to keep food safe.

I don't really eat fast food burgers anymore for calorie reasons. But if I did get one, it would be from In-N-Out, because they prepare actual food (not chemical food products).

(end threadjack)

ooo In and Out - resisting them is HARD! You can order their menu LOTS of ways, they have a whole "secret" menu. One of the options they take away the bun and wrap your burger in lettuce. Its all completely customizable. Like Mandalinn82 mentioned - they are all natural ingredients that are made fresh on the spot everyday. By no means is In and Out healthy food, but on the scale of things - they are much better than regular fast food options.

Nope...that is called being on maintenance. (Not that I would know...yet! :D)

I think it's also called plain old "I don't want to or feel like eating that". For whatever reason.

There's nothing wrong with eating carefully, being choosy and particular.

I do that sometimes, too. Having a drink to sip on makes it easier, IMO.

I am actually a huge fan of McDonald's coffee, so when we're on a road trip or the kids want to play in the PlayPlace, I drink a coffee and read a book.

P.S. You can get a hamburger from IN-N-OUT with onion, mustard, and ketchup for 300 cal and 10g fat. That's *with* the bun.

Just sayin'. ;)

You did 100% the right thing. Your body, your food choices.

:carrot: Way to go! I don't think it's extreme at all. I have done similar things in your situation. Just get a diet soda to sip while the others eat and chat. I don't have the self control to just sit empty handed and watch others eat :D

Ok, I personally LOVE In and Out. I think in the scope of fast food restaurants it's still the best of what's out there, a lot less greasy than most places. But it's only good for a treat every once in a while, if it's up your alley. For me, I like the protein-style burger with no cheese (wrapped in lettuce), and when I do eat it I count every calorie in it. It's not an everyday thing, but I do love it as an occassional treat.

That said, I think you did great! You decided when you want to eat what, and I am very glad that you recognized that it wasn't something you wanted so you stood up for yourself. Congrats! I think it was neither inappropriate nor extreme, just your personal choice. Great job!!

I'm impressed with you! No way I could have done that, as In-n-Out is the single fast-food restaurant I really like.

And as a college student, its pretty common in my circle of friends to just go for the company and eat at home...we're all broke. Calories are just like like a budget...sometimes, you just have to make other arrangements. Congrats!

I think you handled that fantastically. You decided staying on plan was what was important and you handled yourself with tact and grace. Bravo.

Thanks all! I do agree within the scope of fast food In n Out is hands down a better choice than both. I wouldn't had a problem ordering a protein style burger had I been prepared. But I new I had a beautiful preplanned meal at the office that would be so much more satisfying than one patty wrapped in lettuce:) I also find their food a little on the greasy side and I'm hungry again shortly after. All in all, I feel pretty good about my decision. I'm really trying to find balance in all of these new lifestyle choices, especially working into the maintenance phase of all this. Thanks!

^This. I feel this way about pretty much all fast food. I have yet to eat at a fast food joint that people say is better than other fast food joints that I didn't think was still pretty sub par—especially when it comes to burgers. And there just isn't enough nutrition in most fast food to keep you full. Add that to the sugar in the white bun of a burger, making you crave more sugary carbs, and the high-fat-content meat they typically use, and I'd rather eat a burger I make myself, which tastes better to me and is much healthier. Fast food, to me, isn't worth the lack of bang for your calorie buck.

So, I can chalk it up to different taste buds, I suppose, but I am still never really going to understand the around-the-block lines I see day and night for In-N-Out Burger. That said, though, I am surprised to hear it's considered fresher than other fast food. Everyone I've ever talked to who eats there says they go because it's like a greasy spoon but cheaper.

I think it was appropriate - if you were vegetarian, or recovering from a heart attack - you'd have skipped too, right?? So yeah - I think you did GREAT, I'm impressed, I'd have drooled sitting there.