Problems with eating out

[VernRDH]

Hi all-

I haven't been posting for a while, but am having an "issue" -thought I would get some feedback from others.

DH and I are on track to lose the weight we need to. We are currently doing Boot Camp at our YMCA and have the Wii fit. I start training in June for 2 half marathons later this year. We are eating better and healthier and less.

We also put ourselves on a "financial diet". We figured out that we spent almost $3000 last year on eating out (quick stops to Dunkin Donuts, BK sure add up). So we came up with a plan to only eat out once every 2 weeks when DH gets paid. So far, it hasn't worked out for us, which is disappointing.

Our first week, we decided to go to Red Robin for burgers. They were burnt (not well done, but charred) and seemed like they were thinner/cheaper than they had been. We were disappointed and didn't even finish.

Next one was Super Bowl. We had family over so we ordered pizza. Just didn't taste right to me, and I didn't enjoy it at all. Thankfully we had enough other things to eat.

Yesterday was the last one. We thought we would try breakfast. So we went to Denny's. Eggs, pancakes ya know, basic stuff. Couldn't finish it and felt so disgusting afterward that I wanted to throw up (DD actually did in the parking lot!)

Part of the eating out thing was psychological for us that we had a "reward" but it seems to be biting us in the butt! We actually came home yesterday and decided to switch our dining plan for our trip in May to the Quick service plan instead of the regular dining plan because we didn't want to feel this bad while on vacation eating all those heavy meals.

Am I crazy or has anyone else found this happening to them? We have decided that eating out for us will be Subway or some other type of sandwich/sub place. I know it is a good thing to not eat the fried/heavy foods, but am I going to feel yucky every time I eat a meal that I don't make myself? What am I going to do about holidays or special events.

Thanks for your help or suggestions or even good thoughts! DH has already lost 20 lbs since New Years (hate him ) and I have lost 9. We have 2 more weeks of this boot camp, then I am taking the next session by myself (at $150 each, it is too much for us both to go again).

Thanks!

 

[TammyNC]

Sorry to hear what you've been going through while eating out. I don't think I really have any answers for you on this but we have been dealing with the same sort of thing.

It is kind of ironic that you posted this...we too have been eating most of our meals in and have been finding that we aren't enjoying our trips out near as much. I think the biggest thing for us is that it always seems to be so much noise around it is hard to have true conversations and I always end up feeling like I have heart burn. I wonder if we haven't gotten somewhat spoiled to our quiet meals at home where we can talk to each other and not feel like we are having to listen to everyone else's conversations.

Maybe because you are using it as sort of a reward, the expectations are higher than they normally would be and it is alot harder dissapointment when something goes wrong. I do think when you are trying to eat healthier, it makes you think about certain places vs others differently.

When we were at Disney a couple of months ago, I was doing the last BL challenge here on the boards and trying to watch what I was eating. I didn't go down there thinking I wouldn't get to eat my favorites. What we did that helped, we would split meals and try to get at least one salad in a day. That really helped me not feel sick after eating since we were cutting the portions in half plus it helped on the $$ too.

WTG on your boot camp experience, it sounds like you all have found a good plan. I'm sure this next time around, you'll be able to take back to your DH what you are learning and you'll still be keeping on track. Isn't it nice when you do it as a couple??

Sending you lots of , hang in there, stay focused and positive!!!

 

[ohMom]

i definately have had changes in what tastes good and upset stomach when straying far from normal eating. I have gotten to the point now where i rarely if ever eat fastfood. Taco Bell is one i could tolerate. definately not hamburgers. the whole processed, greasy aftertaste and heartburn just isn't worth it. Eating out on the go for me is Subway, Quiznos or chilil from Wendy's. i don't want to sound like i'm putting myself on a pedestal here, i have downfalls and allow splurges too, i just have no desire to choose FF anymore.

i find making my favorites at home much more yummy! lean burgers on the grill, lean burger for tacos, oven-baked potato wedges and homemade pizza, cheating with premade dough from Trader Joes or Whole Foods.

I think you have just taken a big step toward your goal of eating healthier. I'm very glad that it no longer tastes good, b/c now turning it down doesn't feel like denying myself a treat.

you will discover new entrees that you may find more delish than you remember the fried/heavy foods being. don't be afraid to try new flavors when dining out!

and i say Congratulations! this is a milestone for you and your family!!

 

[GrumpyOne]

I have to agree with what's been posted. If I was eating/drinking something pretty frequently then I stop and do it again after a while, it always tastes different. This doesn't happen with stuff that I consume infrequently though so I assume I mentally change something about it by consuming it so often.

You're on the right track though. Don't force yourself to eat food you don't enjoy. You'll figure out what you enjoy with a healthy eating lifestyle soon enough.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I'm glad to read that your body is adjusting to healthier eating. It makes going back to the unhealthy stuff not fun any more. All the better for us for sure.

I WISH you all success as you journey through this. I'm wondering if you will find some other way to enjoy a reward now.

 

[VernRDH]

Thanks guys. I keep telling DH we should use the eating out money to buy Wii fitness games like Jillians but he has other ideas .

I guess it is equally physiological as well as psychological. I want to enjoy the meal, but maybe somewhere in my brain too is that little naggy me going "you know this is bad, don't do it".

The other funny thing is that every Monday I eat out with my co-worker (she treats me to lunch since I pick her up/take her home every day). I usually don't have problems when her and I go out, but then I usually make better choices. (Today was Ruby Tuesdays salad bar and the Turkey mini burgers, no bun and mashed cauliflower). Maybe it's just when DH and I go out? Is it some weird psych thing?

Boot camp definately helps deter the appetite-we get home and only want to eat scrambled eggs and toast (well, he has the toast, I just have eggs).

Thanks again WISH friends!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

I've defintiely had the same thing happen to me. I can't eat the really unhealthy foods anymore or I instantly get stomach cramps and possibly eventually get sick. It sucks but then I realize that I really don't need that fried chicken or HUGE plate of cheese fries and gravy....lol

Eating out is still definitely a treat though for me (and it should be for you!!) but I've now found that I CRAVE the healthier foods more. Instead of the greasy cheeseburger, I sometimes reallllly want that grilled chicken sandwich!

Just consider it a 'good' thing and stick to the healthier fare on the menus! Keep up the good work though, you guys sound like you're doing great!