You can go out to eat!

So, I thought yesterday was going to be difficult but because of an amazing husband and awesome friends--it was great!

The reason I was worried about it was because we went to one of our best friend's daughter's baptism and after there was going to be a luncheon.  Normally, this kind of event is a bit challenge for me because the food is usually less than healthy.  I had told myself that I was going to get up early to workout and eat before so I wouldn't be hungry, but my bed was better at debating this issue when push came to shove.  The baptism was beautiful and emotional and I was feeling so good afterward until I thought about the luncheon.  I was starving and just hoped there would be something there I could eat.  Bless my friend, Mary, she had prepared a spread of cucumbers, pomegranates, carrots, celery, cheese, wheat crackers, sugar snap peas, low fat ranch, grapes, and salsa.  I was so happy! I could eat all of it! I don't count fruit in my calories so I certainly enjoyed the grapes and pomegranates! It was just wonderful and it made me wonder why more people don't have party spreads like this? Why don't I? Everyone was happy and even my husband said he didn't miss the cupcakes and funeral potatoes that are usually at these sorts of events. I think this will be a new goal of mine, when I'm asked to bring something to a party I'm going to bring something healthy. It was just awesome.

Later that night, TJ (my awesome husband) wanted to go out to dinner, so we decided to go to Applebees because we had a gift certificate and I knew they had under 550 calorie dinners on their menu.  This didn't keep me from being skeptical.  I was sure under 550 calories would mean small portions of bland food with a calorie count of 549 each.  So, I took out my iphone and looked up the nutritional information for each meal and I was pleasantly surprised. I decided to go with the roasted garlic steak meal for 450 calories (that includes sides) and 42g of protein.  It was really good and the perfect size.  It just made me happy to know that there are options out there.  You can get the nutritional info for just about any restaurant and can make a smart choice. You don't have to feel like eating out is hard, or torturous, you can enjoy! I also like to always remember that you can ask for a grilled chicken breast and veggies almost anywhere you go and stay on track. This is one thing that is really great because sometimes when people diet they restrict so much.  This goal  for me is not about a diet, it's about a life style change, and I plan on going out to eat in the future. It's nice to be informed. I also had enough calories left over for a little treat!

Here are my stats from yesturday:

6 turkey slices Calories: 138 Protein: 12
1 cup cottage cheese Calories:120 Protein: 22
sugar snap peas  Calories: 35 Protein: 2
8 Wheat Thins Calories: 35 Protein: 0
1 slice Chedder Cheese Calories: 115 Protein: 7
1/2 cucumber Calories: 11 Protein: 0
Ranch Dip 1tbs Calories: 38 Protein: 1
1/2 carrot Calories: 15 Protein: 3
Applebees Roasted garlic steak dinner Calories: 450 Protein: 42
Popcorn: Calories: 200 Protein: 0
All natural peanut butter cups Calories: 210 Protein: 5

Totals
Calories: 1357
Protein: 94
Water: 120 oz

Excersise: none