I try to customize my dish if possible to make sure it includes the most veggies possible. I try not to be too incredibly picky, cause I know it can annoy my parents and friends.

That Mediterranean platter looks perfect!

I don’t really try to eat healthy at restaurants, I just eat what I like because I am usually full very quickly when I eat out. I usually have just a few bites of everything and I’m good. I’m not really a wine drinker, so I have extra calories to spare with food. 🙂

Jenn

Living in rural Iowa has its challenges when you are vegetarian. Luckily, we recently moved to a more metro-area, but it’s still not like a big city. I usually end up ordering a side salad with an appetizer (much like you discussed). As long I get lots of veggies (as much as I possibly can), I’m satisfied. I hate ordering the traditional vegetarian pasta!!!

I’ll pick either appetizer and entree salad or I will skip appetizers and bread and just eat the entree. I do hate most vegetarian options though, always pasta. Blah…

haha I love your modus operandi. I have no problem sticking to the first but the 2nd two are always problems! Actually, I would say that the $$ criteria is the hardest… especially if alcohol is involved!

I usually avoid fried and battered entrees. Usually I try something grilled with vegetables. However if there is a specialty of the area I will just go for it. We all need to live a little right? It’s harder on vacation though, when you eat out all the time and eat delicious food!

Congrats on the house!! I order like that as well. That way you can get your greens in and have something special to the restaurant. 🙂 Entrees over overrated!

Meh, I’m a boring sort of girl – I get a soup and a salad. I’m not a vegetarian though, and often I like to split with other people so I get tastes of everything. 🙂

I’m glad you’re having fun in Charlotte! Best of luck with the rest of the move. 😀

Wei-Wei

I do the same you do, stick to the appetizers unless I’m at one of my favorite restaurants, then I can’t stop myself but to order a favorite entree.

I love the Seven Deadly Zins Zinfandel, great wine!

I like to start with a salad at a restaurant, and then usually look for a veggie dish like grilled portabella mushrooms or something.

I just ask them to change the dish if I don’t like something. If there’s a dressing I always ask for it on the side, cos 9 times out of 10, there’s too much of it!
Have a great day:)

I definitely sometimes struggle at restaurants. My parent’s always get a salad each and then share an entree. That’s my ideal, though my now ex-boyfriend always ordered meat so it didn’t work so well…

I do the same as you, order a salad and an appetizer. it keeps variety and makes me feel like I’ve eaten in instead of eaten out 🙂

I order a main dish, but just eat about half of it, depending on the size. I love to have leftovers the next day, and portions are always too large. Sometimes I go with a salad and appetizer, but it depends on the options.

I somehow always felt like I was “supposed” to order an entree. I often find that appetizers are more expensive, though! I’ll strike the “entree obligation” thinking if I eat out anytime soon, though.
Holding you to it – are you awake and running? 😉 Good luck with the landlord today!

Yay Blue!! Love that place.

Blue looks good. I’ve never been!

Dressing on the side, prepared without butter and salt, and can you add more veggies, please 😉

Honestly, I don’t eat out often enough to worry about eating healthy when eating out. 😉 However, I do always start with a salad (dressing on the side) and just stop eating my meal when I’m full. Usually it’s way too much food for one person, and I’ll split it or bring the other half home.

This restaurant looks great! 😀

I would never really think to order a salad and appetizer as a meal, but it sure is a good idea. Especially the way portions are, those two would make perfect meal components. Although, I will admit that if something else on the menu really catches my eye – I’m getting it. 😀

My “trick” is that I only eat things that are a) healthy or b) I’m excited about. For example, I love bread basket bread, so I eat it, but I don’t enjoy sandwich bread, so I always eat my sandwiches/burgers naked.

love seven deadly zins!

looks like a fancy place!
did you run???
I order off the kids menu at places that don’t care about your age to save money!

The app and salad idea is perfect for vegetarians. Usually the veg entree at restaurants is pasta, and who wants to pay $15 for white pasta? If no one else at the table orders an app, I ask for it to be sent along with the salad so that I’m not eating alone!

I also like to check out menus online beforehand and create a plan beforehand.

I tend to eat at restaurants that provide nutritional and ingredient information as it makes me feel more comfortable with what I’m eating. My husband and I only eat out about once a month, and we tend to always go to the same place. So really, I don’t even think about it that much.

That’s an excellent way to save calories and money. I like to order soup and salad instead of an entree, or I split a huge entree with a friend.

1. Stay away from fried foods.
2. Watch the appies.
3. Steer clear of creamy sauces.
4. If you order dessert, share it with someone else.

Hope you enjoy my old stomping ground. Charlotte looks so sophisticated now!

I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts the last few days, because next week I’m head up to Charlotte to visit one of my college roomies and her hubby, who recently moved to the area. Thanks for the “preview”