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Good Eating Habits on the Run–Slim By the Summer Week #5

Filed Under: Kids Posts, Married Life, Writing/Blogging Tagged With: , ,

Many things I am not a fan of for the the wintertime and have complained on here quite enough about that already. So, I will truly try to refrain from that here today. That said there is one thing that has been beneficial for me during the winter time and that has been eating out in restaurants, as well as drive thru eating, too.

On the end, I don’t feel like dragging two little kids to a restaurant if I don’t have to, because the amount of bundling up in the cold winter climate is truly not fun for starters. Also, since restaurant eating with two small kids can truly turn into a nightmare and have even blogged about that here, I honestly can live without that experience again.

Wintertime, Coats, Hats, Gloves--Don't Feel Like Fighting Them To Go Through the Drive-Thru!
Wintertime, Coats, Hats, Gloves–Don’t Feel Like Fighting Them To Go Through the Drive-Thru!

As for the drive thru, I am so not in the mood to get into a cold car, when I can stay in my warm house and make a nice homemade meal. Even with two screaming kids at my feet I really don’t want to venture out. Plus, it was only last weekend that we had a blizzard here in NY with me complaining that I am indeed ready for Spring, here. So, better safe than sorry!!

However, when the weather is warmer, we will do occasionally use the drive through or go out to eat at least once or twice a month. How do I keep good eating habits even when I am out?

Well I admit, if it is drive thru, I make sure to visit the website of the establishment we are purchasing from beforehand. I then look at the calorie and nutrition information and use that as a guide to what I will purchase to eat, such as Taco Bell.

Taco Bell’s Nutritional Info

If I am going out to a restaurant, god help me if I am brave enough with my two crazy ladies or even if somehow we get a few hours to go it alone just the two of us, I make sure to look at the nutrition information that is usually supplied on said menu. That helps in making my decision for me as far as being help conscious.


So in answer to the question of good eating habits on the run the menu, nutritional information and a bit of common sense helps me get by and stay healthy even when eating in less than healthy scenarios.

Again, this was written in conjunction with the group Slim By the Summer that I belong to and you can find more posts linked up here:

Good Eating Habits

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. The Next Step says

    ARE there good eating habits at Taco Bell? I mean, I love Taco Bell and all, but I'd never consider anything on their menu remotely good for me. 🙂 Which is part of the appeal.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Lori, not as good as real, healthy home cooked meals, but if you look at their menu and try hard enough you can find something. They do offer diet alternatives, but to be honest I have hard time sticking to that when I am in Taco Bell or at the drive thru. I usually cave and walk away with at the very least a Mexican Pizza, lol!!

      • tamgraver says

        The Mexican Pizza is my downfall. I love those things. I am trying to lose some weight myself and the fact it seems that Lori and mention Taco Bell on our blog a lot doesn't help. Thank you for posting. Hopefully, my next trip to Taco Bell will not end in Mexican pizza

  3. erintheirishmama says

    Ohhh I think I ate so many calories this past week because of the darn drive thru. I felt it too. I was so tired and grumpy this week. So I'm giving up fast food for as long as I can. Oh I wanted to open up a healthy restaurant with a drive thru for people. You can't get anything that's actually fresh and healthy in a drive thru. Oh and you can't get pizza either…. Or. Gallon of milk. Haha. So many drive thru ideas came to me when I became a mom with a few kids. Ha!!!

    PS. We are going to a restaurant today with the boys. Say a prayer for me!!! Ha!!

    • Janine Huldie says

      I wish you a ton of luck today and I had the issue that neither would actually go to the bathroom, when I took them!! Thankfully, no accidents, but too much stress for this momma!! I love your idea and seriously that sounds awesome!! 🙂

  4. Cyndi says

    Drive through…hmm…might do Taco Bell every now and then but otherwise, it's a once in a blue moon affair for me…I LOVE the homemade stuff. That said, I can totally see why this would be easy and why so many people like it: you don't have to deal with taking all that gear off, getting out of the car, then making them eat, especially if they're tired. Yup, I think I see why the drive-thru was invented, LOL.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Roshni and I too am happy that they are available now. Yesterday, we were actually brave enough to take the girls to Friendly's with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and niece and nephew. I was careful to look at the calories for the overall meals on this and at least knew what I was in for.

  8. Janine Huldie says

    Lol, Julie. No matter how many times I try to drink diet I can't get over the sugar substitute taste. That said I usually order the fries, but take them home for the girls and I am big on the sauces on the side, too 🙂

  9. Melanie Chisnall says

    That's a great idea! I wish we had things like that. I know they've only just started putting nutrition tables up here and there at some fast-food places, but I haven't seen any in restaurants. That would be fantastic! Sounds like you're kicking this slimmer by summer challenge, well done! 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Oh thanks so much Melanie and I remember when I had to play the guessing game at restaurants and am truly happy I don't when it comes down to it, because I would most certainly order the worst thing for me pretending it didn't happen!! Because it is like out of sight out of mind or what I don't know won't hurt me!!

  10. Christy Birmingham says

    I am proud of you for sticking to your goals to be healthier. I try to avoid the drive-thru because it's so easy for me just to say 'cheeseburger' :))

  11. Kat Biggie says

    If there was that much snow around my house, I would NEVER leave!!! Oh my goodness that is a lot of snow, and cute picture! I have terrible "on the run" eating habits. The only thing I have done well with is at McDonalds – they have a grilled chicken southwest salad that is amazing. I eat that, but the kids get happy meals, so not good for them! Good for you for being as healthy as you can with your girls! I need to detox my children… although, I have not bought chicken nuggets in months!

    • Janine Huldie says

      Alexa, believe me that is how I felt. I hate the snow and so not a fan. So to have this much was truly too much for me. I went out, because the kids were excited and couldn't help, but feel that I had to do that much for them. Trust me though, if it were up to me I would have stayed in and hibernated, lol!! And we still have chicken nuggets in the freezer, but they actually haven't even asked for them in quite some time!

  12. Janine Huldie says

    I use My Fitness Pal and it does that for many if not most restaurant chains. If you have ordered or are thinking of ordering, you can put it in and see the calories if they aren't already listed, I believe. My pleasure to share and thanks as always Amy!! 🙂

  13. Rachel Harper says

    Our "eating out" habits are curbed in the winter time too. Why go outside when you can cook in the comfort of your own home? I love that you guys make sure to check out the nutritional information before you go. So few people do that, and it can be a real killer.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Rachel, glad to know it isn't just me, because I hate going out to just get cold during the freezing winter. I mean if I have to go out for something that is one thing, but just to go out for the sake of going out, I would rather not.

  14. Justin K says

    You're such a nag, Janine! 🙂

    Just kidding! You are so right! It is important to eat well throughout the year for many reasons, not the least of which is that summer will be here before we know it! Good information! 🙂

    Justin- Writing Pad Dad
    Writing Pad Dad Blog
    Writing
    Pad Dad on Facebook

  16. Dani Ryan says

    The nutritional info always shocks me. I usually order salads, but sometimes I find out they are quite high in fat and calories (esp since I always order extra cheese – ha!).

    I'm with you on eating at home. I find I am always overfull and bloated when we eat out, or even when we order takeout, so I often trade convenience for chaos. 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      I know Dani. Seriously, you think salads are healthier, but in reality many if not most when you are out are truly not. And I am glad to know it isn't just me about it being more convenient and less chaotic to stay home!! 🙂

  17. WhenCrazyMeetsExhaus says

    My kids love McDonalds fruit and yogurt parfaits, and if I can resist the temptation of ordering a dessert in a cup (AKA: something from the McCafe!) then I consider it a success!!

  18. lablover22 says

    This is such a great idea! I have found that there a several things I know always fit in my eating plan. I love that I can find them or make the changes at most restaurants- those that pass you food through a window or at a table;) I grew up with a dad who owned some fast food restaurants. I love the stuff. But it can definitely be done in a healthy way;) Vicky http://www.thepursuitofnormal.blogspot.com

  19. ttoombs08 says

    It is so hard to eat healthy outside of the home whether you have the kiddos with you or not. We always try to find someplace that at least has some sort of veggies on the menu to balance all the bad stuff. 🙂 Great post, Janine!

  20. Ruchira says

    It is hard to eat healthy when out….that greasy stuff…can after some time refuse to go in…try to compensate with raw food such as fruits, or salads.

    Voted for you!

  21. clarkfarley says

    It is not so much that I am concerned about the nutritional value of the food I eat as I am about the calorie-value. Since I find it easier to not gain weight simply by not eating foods that, for reasons I don't understand, have markedly more calories for the amount of 'not-being-hungry' value I get. Example: years ago I enjoyed the occasional McDonalds, interesting eating resulting in not being hungry. Then someone pointed out the number of calories (I think it was 23,000). Not worth it. A less McDonaldesque cuisine seemed to produce the same effect for a much lower calorie-count.

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