What do I order here? -Bar & Grill
- bfit2training
- Sep 20, 2019
- 3 min read
Good news is most bar and grills have a nutrition breakdown on their menus. If it is a local place and they do not have a full nutrition pdf., go to a similar chain website and scope out theirs. It will be similar information for similar items. Keep in mind these suggestions and adjustments are intended for a balanced, mindful, and sustainable nutrition program. If you’re following an anti-inflammatory, Keto, WW, or any other approach email me at Bfit2training@gmail.com and I will help you adjust and make the correct decision for your plan. Make sure to check out my other articles on Mexican, Italian, Steakhouse, and Fast Food options.
1-Appetizers and Drinks
I'm combining these two items in this particular article because most people choose this type of restaurant for the casually social aspect and the ease to please everyone's palate. As mentioned before your calorie and macro allowance can be blown to smithereens from the start. Grab a couple Blue Moons and munch on a few bites of potato skins and you're sitting above 400 calories already! Have a drink, if you must, but choose wisely. A beer or a few ounces of alcohol won't throw you off too much but you will have to make some other sacrifices. Choose lighter beers and clear alcohols to stay on an even straighter path. If you would rather eat your pre-dinner calories then choose fresh vegetable options that stay away from oil and cheeses. Lightly breaded and baked vegetable options are becoming more and more popular so just ask if those green beans, cauliflower, or pickles are heavily breaded and deep fried before ordering.
2-Soup & Salad
The same approach should be made here as in the previous article "What do I order here? Italian Restaurant". Clear, non-cream based soups are always a good option and light dressings, cheese on the side salads are a better choice. Also, be aware of bread intake before the meal. Hit up two pieces of bread and you are in the hole from the start.
3-Entree
When choosing an entree at a bar and grill location, first and foremost, order first! I have discussed this in all the previous articles. The main reason to do so is if you have in your mind you are ordering the chicken breast with double green beans(no butter), but all other six people around the table order the double bacon cheeseburger with fries, all of a sudden you become "that person"! So, save one of your friend's waistline and triglyceride numbers and order first. If you choose something with bread, such as a sandwich and really want the bread, eat half or hollow out the meaty thick part first. You can easily save a non satiating 100 calories and non nourishing 20g of carbohydrates. A step further would be to order the bun or bread prepared in no butter. Also try and stick with the smallest lean proteins. Lean steaks, chicken breast, turkey breast, or fish is always a better bet. The smallest protein amount at most bar and grill locations are around 4-7oz which is more than enough for anyone. If you love steak check out my What do I order here? -Steakhouse edition for in depth details. Always look at the menu on how it is prepared and if it comes with any high caloric sauces such as butter, oil, mayo, etc.... Order that on the side and shave another 100 calories off your bill.
4-Sides
The easy answer here, order double vegetables and skip the mac and cheeses, french fries, and mashed potatoes. I get the wanting a real side from your favorite bar and grill! Jessica and I order sweet potato fries from our favorite local bar and grills anytime we can. The trick here is one person order the decadent side and the other person order the healthier side and split them. You don't need more than a handful of french fries to get the salty crunch that the glorious french fry brings to our mouths. Furthermore, if your entree comes with two chicken breasts and two sides, why not split that too?
5-Desserts
NO! Unless you ran a marathon that day and are celebrating or you are on death row don't do it! Just kidding.....kind of.....if you are celebrating a family birthday or something of the sort have a dozen spoons passed around and go ahead and have a bite. This is about enjoying your company and your life while making the best choices possible.
This "What do I order" series is intended to be how an individual with goals can be creative and selective with choices. It is not intended to be restrictive at all. If you feel like I have eliminated all options email me personally at bfit2training@gmail.com and Title it: You must be crazy! and I'll respond to your food palate, goals, and situation personally so you can make the best lifestyle choice for you.
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