How do people cope when they have to eat out or are away from home?

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posted by Jaykaymack
on 8 Aug 2019 at 18:41

Hi
I just started this diet on Monday and so far I’m loving it. Losing weight and feeling full of energy. I have a few social engagements coming up and I want some advice on how to make sensible choices. I don’t eat meat so that limits me a bit. For example I’m at a music festival for the day next Sunday and they don’t allow you to take your own food. Any ideas or hints? Thank you
posted by alliecat
on 8 Aug 2019 at 20:16

Hi, JKM! What type of food is usually available for purchase at a music festival in the UK? (American!).
Also, are you a vegetarian, or simply avoid red meat? My emergency rations have always been hard boiled eggs
and a small packet of almonds. In terms of restaurant dining, most establishments post their menus online,
so best advice is to decide on what you are going to order ahead of time, and stick with those choices 🙂
Most places today will substitute extra vegetables for the carby things if you ask them to. We have to function
in the real world, so having a strategy in place for social situations is just part of the preplanning that we all
must to do to be successful at the BSD. It really does become automatic once you begin, just as counting carbs
and calories are each day. I’m happy to hear that you are off to a great start! You have a wonderfully positive
attitude, and I’d enjoy hearing about your goals going forward. This is an adventure in transforming your health
and your life, not some quick fix, enforced period of “deprivation” to look better in a swimsuit on holiday 🙂 Stay
the course, and this WOE will take you anywhere you want to go! Very best wishes,

Allie
posted by Katecllrs
on 9 Aug 2019 at 08:32

Travel and unexpected meals out are a problem for me. We spend most of the summer away from home in our motorhome. I carry a healthy range of food and try to plan ahead but the days and evenings tend to involve spontaneous meals out & trips to various real ale pubs. Obviously, I don’t HAVE to eat & drink whilst we’re out but it’s often late when we return to the MH by which time I don’t want to cook a meal for myself.

I’ve gained almost two stone in weight in the seven years since we bought the MH. Exercise is kinda difficult due to limited space in here and I can only walk about a mile or so due to a painful hip. Cardio & HIIT are out of the question too. It’s a challenge, to say the least …
posted by Jaykaymack
on 10 Aug 2019 at 23:10

Thank you for responding. I agree this has to work ‘in the real world’ or life will become pretty miserable and I’ll be a hermit! Already missing sharing meals with my partner as they’re very supportive but not following the plan. I’m feeling optimistic and think I need to accept there will be days when I can only do my best but won’t be perfect! Thanks again. Any more hints and tips most welcome.
posted by arcticfox
on 11 Aug 2019 at 04:25

I often take emergency food rations with me, even when meals are on offer when I’m travelling for work. For instance, I had to travel this week and I took nuts and some small yogurts along with me. I was able to put these together with some of the cut veggies that were offered and cherries and avoid the bagels and cream cheese that were supposed to be my dinner.
With regard to the music festival, obviously they are making the rules about not bringing your own food because they want their vendors to make money, but because I also have food allergies, I would always take my own food along anyway and make the argument that I have health and allergy issues that mean that I cannot eat from most vendors without them having to accept liability for my allergic reaction. I’m sure that would scare any organizing committee into allowing me in with my own food! Either that or I would just fast for the day.
posted by SunnyB
on 13 Aug 2019 at 14:09

Excellent strategy articfox, it must be possible for exceptions to the rule. In social situations there are almost always options, although being vegetarian probably reduces these options further most of us have to cope with. As Allie said, where possible try to plan ahead to be sure of selecting the most BSD friendly option and if necessary take emergency supplies with you.
posted by Jennie10
on 17 Aug 2019 at 15:53

When I go out for meals I usually ask to have salad instead of potatoes/chips – it’s usually fine, although some salads are better than others. I will also look at what vegetables are being served with other dishes on that day’s menu. If there is something that is lower carb I’ll ask to swap my veg for that. Also, usually works. It’s worked in pubs as well as restaurants.
Hope things are going well.