Eating out on the protocol

One of the things I hear from people is "oh I couldn't do that, I like to go out too much!"   

I am sure you are familiar with this if you are doing the protocol. Or perhaps you are put off from doing the protocol for this very reason.

Now I have to admit at this point that I don't go out to eat very often due to finances (or lack thereof).  But if I do it is usually to catch up with someone more than the actual convenience of a meal out.

The total days of a round on the protocol is approximately 90 days.  I figure that phase 2 is less than half of that.  A small sacrifice in the bigger scheme of things.

The fact that I am probably going to feel less than ordinary if I go out and eat what I want anyway is a good motivator in itself to stay true.

Obviously the loading phase is the best time to cash in on no restrictions and go to town LITERALLY!  

For both rounds so far I have had a 'last meal' and gone out for something healthy but full of good fats for loading.  A great opportunity to fill up before the six weeks.

This doesn't mean that I don't go out during phase 2.   I just do it a bit differently. I opt to meet in a park or similar and take my own lunch.  Or, there is a great cafe in Launceston called Amelia Expresso that you can take your own food to and just purchase a cuppa (they also offer pastries, cakes and light snacks too).    I think more places should do this.  Even if not on protocol I find it expensive to take my kids out but would probably do more if I could take our food and just buy a drink for us!  A few places will also let you take your own food if you explain you are on a restricted diet but don't expect it across the board :(

During phase 4/5 it is much easier, although can still be challenging.  Particularly if you live somewhere that has limited choice of eateries.  We are lucky in Launceston as we have a great range of places to get good, healthy and interesting food.  Some places will be more than open to tweaking a dish to suit your needs too.

However, there are things to watch out for, in particular menu descriptions.  I was out last week with family, we went to a local pub (not my first choice but I didn't get to pick the place) and I ordered a prawn and avocado salad with no dressing (suspecting it would be out of a bottle and loaded with junk).  Sounds simple enough, the menu said quite clearly 'Prawn and AVOCADO salad'.  Yup, I assumed that meant slices of avocado, which was obviously a poor assumption to make.   Firstly, the meal came out drowned in salad dressing.  I explained that I couldn't eat that and that I had requested no dressing.  With much huffing and puffing the waitress took it back and eventually came back with a replacement.  This time no dressing but a huge dollop of commercial 'avocado' dip.  This was the avocado portion of the salad!!  I explained that no, I couldn't eat that either, I had been expecting sliced FRESH avocado.  Was met with a tirade of rudeness so I requested a refund and decided to eat when I got home.  They did try to tell me the dip was just mashed avocado but it most definitely wasn't.  I am not stupid!

 Lesson learnt!

ASK

ASK

ASK

If you are not sure, don't make assumptions.  Ask what is in the dish and double check you can eat it.

Last night I went out for dinner  ( I know, I really don't go out often!  LOL) with friends.  We went Mexican.  I made a decision that after sticking to protocol for six months I would have what I wanted!!  I had a dish that stuck to my phase 4 pretty much, I did have a small tortilla wrap and a few corn chips.  My downfall was having two margaritas and I gained overnight and felt a bit icky this morning.  But, this was my decision and I knew I would have consequences from my night out.  If I had wanted to stick to protocol I could have avoided some of the items on my plate and had water to drink.

Mind you, I am in round 2 and this is not my last round so I can probably afford to cheat a tiny bit.  When it comes to my last round I most definitely will not take these liberties as I will be endeavouring to achieve LS (leptin sensitivity).  I am thinking I probably have another 2 rounds!

What I am saying is that you don't have to stay at home and eat zucchini and chicken every day LOL  You can go out, you can mix it up a little and be creative and maintain that social life.  At the end of the day, the worse you can do is get a tummy ache and a bit of a gain.  There is always tomorrow :)