Eating out- Fast food help!

[ShannonMamaX3]

Well, this will be my 1st weekend on induction and, as usual, we will be eating out, most likely Wendy's or McDonalds or Burger King (the kids like this!). My question is, WHAT CAN I EAT? That won't blow induction? Is a hamburger (or 2 or 3?) allowed without the bun? How about their cheese? I'm guessing it's that artificial stuff, so a big no-no?

Also, snacks to bring along with me? I'd like something with substance, that will fill me up if I'm having a bad sugar craving, ya know? But it's hot, and I don't really want to take anything that needs to be refrigerated (or maybe I could put it in a lunch bag with an ice pack?).

What do/did you do in this kind of situation?

Thanks!

[apple]

burgers...hold the bun, ketchup, special sauce, and cheese (they use fake cheese, and as we know fake cheese is not good). Burger King you can order your bugers Without the bun and they (most of them do) give you the burger and veggies in a salad container. McDonalds...I have no idea...I don't like their food it just smells wrong to me. Wendy's you can order your burger's Protein style. I'm a Carls' Jr. Fan all the way where you order your burgers Protein style.

salads...pile the bunless burgers and veggies for them onto your salad and enjoy....dressings are an issue, if you use Ranch check the website from the resturant's to see the carb count, or read the back of the label, or ask the people what's in it.

Plan, pack, and keep handy snacks from the Induction list.

[ShannonMamaX3]

Protein style? I've never heard that! SO any Wendy's or Hardee's/Carls' Jr will understand what that means? Or could that just be in certain parts of the country. Where I am, they aren't too hip with health/diets. I am not originally from MO (from Chicago area), but you can definitely see a difference in the way people eat- MUCH less healthy, or health concious I should say.

But anyway, so a Whopper is fine, just minus the bun? And I can eat all the veggies on the side? I'm worried that I can't actually count my carbs like I do at home.

[fatty mcfatison]

Hardee's has a low carb burger (but you do have to say no ketchup and cheese). and as a meal combo you can get a side salad instead of fries.

[dream]

Here's a calculator from McDonald's. You can select your food and customize it so you get the exact counts. I've ordered a double cheeseburger with no ketchup on occasion. This calculator lets you take off the bun and ketchup and get your exact counts.

The other food places might have something similar.

http://app.mcdonalds.com/bagamcmeal

[ShannonMamaX3]

Thanks so much for the tips! I especially LOVE the McDonalds calculator- WOW! Thanks again!

[ttdriver]

McDonalds...I have no idea...I don't like their food it just smells wrong to me.

AGREED. I'd choose anything but IckeyMickey.

Betty

[Dotultimate]

You're all going to hate me for this - but please keep in mind i come from a country where McDonalds in not the be all end all of everything.

Why dont you NOT go to McDonalds, and instead eat at a proper restraunt (or anywhere that isnt fast food) with your family.

That way you arent ingesting cows bums and every member of your family reeps the benefits of eating a hearty meal instead of processed crap.

I am so shocked by everyone on this bulletin board. The Atkins diet is about getting healthy, exercising and eating well... NOT JUST AVOIDING CARBS

Eating ANY fast food is utter crap and no one who willingly eats it is committed to truely changing their way of life, or weightloss.

[ShannonMamaX3]

You make a point that McDonald's is certainly not healthy, but I don't think you'll find too many people in the US who don't frequent (or at least every-once-in-awhile go to) fast food places. Regardless of what fast food place it is, most of us like it from time to time.

Also, you say Atkins is about eating well, changing, etc, and maybe so, but if you want to be truly good to your body, I'd say being a vegetarian would be the healthiest way to go and not eating 500 tons of meat everyday. And, while I support those who keep up Atkins as a way of life, which I may or may not do(we'll see how that goes), I need to lose weight, plain and simple. I hope I can keep it up long-term, but geez, it's not gonna become my religion. So far, end of day 4 induction, I've done really well, and I am very proud of myself for having the willpower I thought I didn't have. A little Micky D's will be a nice treat for me!

I'm not trying to get defensive, but you seem to be taking a shot at some folks; That's just how I felt when I read your post. I think it's kind of mean to criticize people when we aren't perfect, especially on a board like this where there's suppose to be camaraderie.

Another reason our family eats McDonalds, or any fast food restaraunt, is because it's cheap, plain and simple. We go to nicer places too, but we can't always have the luxury of eating expensive meals. We are a family of 5 and have 3 hungry boys to feed, so at least we have quality family time eating out, which is something we ENJOY doing. And don't break the budget doing it.

[Dotultimate]

Hi Shannon

I wasn't trying to attack you. I'm sorry you felt that way. I don't think people should use the excuse that other people go there so its ok - most other people are obese so thats not a good starting point.

I understand that its cheaper and quick, and i'm sure the boys love it! I'm more talking about you eating there. I really beleive that having a 'weight loss' mentality does not incorporate MCdonalds. The more you go there (even if its induction safe) the more likely you are to 'just have a chip' etc.

I know its a treat for you and i'm glad you've stuck to the diet thus far, but i just want you to achieve the best you can! I'm also anti-McDonalds (obviously) because the food really is crap. There is no two ways about it!

But it tastes good - i understand.

Anyway, its your decision either way, just make sure you stick to plan, and dont let indulgences like these result in slide backs to old ways.

Happy losing!