EATING OUT

Many will say eating out is one of the worst things you can do while trying to slim down and be healthy.  Certainly it is treacherous, but not only DOES IT NOT have to sabotage your goal, it can help you get there.  In the 21st Century lives of the busy worker-bees that we are, planning out meals in advance can take a considerate amount of time and often falls short, leaving many too scramble for last minute process, pre packaged, or fast foods.  On the other hand, checking out the menu of a favorite restaurant in advance takes about 5 minutes.  

How to Score A Delicious Meal at Almost Any Restaurant?
This is something that I have had a lot of practice in for one very important reason - I have severe food allergies that can literally cause me to die.  And I also enjoy being out.  So I have learned to successfully navigate this potential mine field.  

Here's what to look for:
Do not automatically go straight to the salads.
See what side dishes are being offered such as steamed vegetables, brown rice, legumes.  Then see what kind of protein is offered on the menu and the preparation options.  If you eat red meat, steak over hamburger is the best way to go.  I look for fish first, then poultry.  Usually I see if there is Salmon or Ahi Tuna on the menu.  Salmon for Omega 3 Fatty Acids.  Ahi Tuna for protein.  Make sure salmon is baked, grilled, or poached.  Ahi Tuna should be very lightly seared as it is best rare.  You can pair the protein with a veggie side dish and voila.  Make sure that there is no sauce added to the dish.

Ordering salads can be tricky because most people are under the belief that all salads are healthy when that is not the case.  If possible stay away from Iceberg Lettuce as it holds very little nutritional value although it is a source of water.  No creamy dressings.  Order vinaigrette dressings on the side and decide what amount if any you will add to your salad.  Try to have a protein in your salad whether egg, chicken, fish, or steak to help fill you up and satiate your hunger.  

Drink water with your meal.  I add lemon to aid in the digestive process plus I truly dislike the taste of plain water.  If you are drinking alcohol, drink before your meal and after (if you want)

If you are still unsure, ask to speak to the chef.  Voice your concerns.  Most chefs are eager to show off their culinary skills by accommodating your request.  Just remember to smile, be polite, and ask nicely.

ABSOLUTELY STAY AWAY FROM
    Bread before your meal, during your meal, after your meal
    Pasta
    If you love carbs, order a wrap/flat bread.  If you're ordering a burger/sandwich, take away the top bun/half of the bread and only eat the bottom bun/half of the bread
    Desert (unless it's fruit)

Week 1 Eateries
Sushi This Week (Zumi's on Belcourt)
Prefer to order nigiri (raw fish over bed of rice, preferably brown rice)

No 308: Trendy Bar in East Nashville
If you have a cheat day, this would be a good place because they have small portion sizes and the most unhealthy thing on the menu is a small plate of house cut fries and smoked homemade ketchup.  They have quite a few veggie options that won't throw off the slimdown process such as a Quinoa Salad and small bowl of black beans, rice, and egg.

Stay Tuned as I add my favorite happy hours in town, back home in NJ/NYC, and those I visit in New Orleans, Miami, and other places!!!

Monday
Without a doubt, Virago is my favorite place to be.  I cannot believe how fresh the sushi is in the middle of this landlocked state nor how fab the decor/scene in this small town city.
1/2 price sushi rolls (brown rice option) and 2 for 1 drinks.  Hot sake is the best!  Definitely make sure to go to the gym after this!!

Tuesday
Another sushi place.  This time more low key, neighborhood type bar known as Kabutos.  It's also a Hibachi place for those who enjoy that.  Tuesday is 1/2 price sushi and appetizers and $3 small hot sakes (actually everyday of the week is $3 small sake).  Spicy tuna is vinegar based instead of mayo so less calories!!!  Yea!!!

Wednesday
Ladies Night at Cabanas - need I say more?  But I will.  A martini flight, low cal martini/vodka specials, $5 of some of the best (and healthy) apps.

Dave and Busters has 2 for 1 happy hour Mon - Fri however what makes Weds great is you can play the games for 1/2 the prizes.  Eat, drink, then go work it off!!!  You can also go shopping as a nice exercise afterwards as well. :-)

Thursday/Friday
My Thursday.Friday thoughts are for any place that you can go to any day of the week i.e. no special gimmicks on specific days.

Ruth Chris has best kept secret happy hour.  Ruth Chris quality food for $8.  Happy Hour is only Mon-Thurs - 4:30 - 6:30 so very limited time.  Not surprisingly!

Donks Bar and Grill - great food at reasonable prices.  cheap drinks.  Local, neighborhood bar.  Has a game room and multiple TV's

Drifters - great food at reasonable prices.  cheap drinks.  Local, neighborhood bar.  More trendy part of town.  Has ping pong.

No 308 - quite, relaxing hipster bar (with the occasional taxidermy laying about)  Great whiskey choices.  Small plate food options are original and delish!!!

Darfons - Food good but decadent!  Watch out here as you can easily pack on the calories.  Plan to work out hardcore after a meal.  Happy hour Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm

Sunday Brunch
There are many places I like to go to for brunch.  Here they are:

The Garden - awesome southern food with a healthy twist.  Quaint little house.  Wait can be extremely long.  

Bar Louie's - awesome outside seating.  delicious food.  Spotty service

12 South - love to sit outside here.  Food is good especially the tacos.  Only serve beer and wine so more of a treat after an awesome work out session.

Tenn16 - great southern food with a twist in East Nashville.  2 for 1.  Numerous TV for football season

Tavern - food is great!  service not so much and the wait can be crazy.  Go on a nice day so you can chill outside as you wait for a table.  2 for 1 is a big plus!!!!