Using Restaurant Labels to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

The first thing that caught my eye on the menu was, “Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti.” Then, I glanced down and gasped at its 1,190 calories, almost my whole day’s worth of calories on my daily 1,200 weight loss plan. As I rescanned the menu I spied the Pan-seared Branzino, one of my favorite fishes, and noted that it was 570 calories, less than half of the Meatballs and Spaghetti. I chose the fish. The Branzino, with its grape tomatoes and white cannellini bean topping, tasted delicious. My husband Jake and I had just sat down at a nearby Romano’s Macaroni Grill. We’re eating out a number of times this week to celebrate the Holidays with friends. So, it’s a must that we find food we like on the menu that isn’t loaded with calories. Even with making a better entrée choice, the bread, my ultimate weakness, posed another challenge. Juan, our waiter, brought us a round loaf of warm bread with a golden crust and a saucer of olive oil that could have been my downfall. After the first piece, I asked a passing waiter to take away the rest of the loaf before my resolve collapsed. Then much to my chagrin, Juan brought us another loaf. Luckily, we still had the fortitude to turn away the second loaf though the call was close! The difference in calories between the meat and fish dishes was obvious. Yet, some of the other choices were mystifying. Why was there a 523-calorie difference betwee Veal Saltimbocca with artichoke pasta at 850 calories and the Pan Roasted Pork chop with fresh peas and mushroom risotto at 1373 calories, for example? All restaurant chains nationwide with 20 or more locations soon will be required to post their calories. If you’re like many other Americans who eat out an average of 2 to 3 times a week, making wise restaurant choices can make the difference between weight loss and weight gain. Restaurant labels provide a valuable tool for people who eat out frequently and don’t want to give up their weight loss goals. Why not take advantage of the information and avoid gaining a pound or two a month just by using restaurant labels when dining out? How has using restaurant labels helped you advance your weight loss goals?