[GonzoII]

[bdeaner]

Eating out in a healthy way is tough. It is best to avoid it. But if going out is necessary, the America's Biggest Loser has a great calorie-counting book with all of the major restaurant chains and the calories and nutrients of the main dishes they serve.

For portion control, a good idea is to take 2/3 to a 1/2 of a serving at most restaurants and IMMEDIATELY have the waitress put it into a doggy bag before you start eating. Otherwise, as research has shown, a larger portion will lead to a higher consumption. Get it off the plate first, and then eat. Sharing the meal with 1 or 2 other people is also a good idea. Get a meal and then 2-3 plates.

[redgolum]

Gluttony is not the enjoyment of your food, but the love of eating beyond what is proper.

As Luther once said, ever man has an idol in his belly. The trick is to control it. Controlling ones appetite and doing things in moderation will bring you far.

[firebrand]

To me, gluttony is eating until you can’t eat any more. Then you have given up your free will to stop eating, and have let your body decide for you that you have to stop. If you have no self-control, this is where you end up.

The problem is that it becomes worse and worse. Your stomach doesn’t exactly expand that much, but your organs get used to secreting more and more enzymes, so it takes longer and longer for you to feel satiated.

And with that analysis, I have used up the last of my calories from dinner and am counting the hours until McDonald’s starts serving breakfast.

[firebrand]

About avoiding places that serve too much food:

There is a restaurant in my neighborhood that has prix fixe night for a lower price than it would cost to order a la carte. But there is too much food. They give you an amuse-bouche and then appetizer, entree, and dessert. It’s a good deal but I avoid prix fixe night and go for the nine-dollar pasta night. Yes, it’s pasta, but no extras, and it is just right.