Bariatric-Friendly Restaurants: A Smart Choice Guide

Post-bariatric surgery. Dining out is an exciting adventure, even after your surgery! It’s about enjoying the experience while keeping your dietary needs in mind.

Dining out can still be enjoyable and aligned with your bariatric-friendly diet. It just requires some planning and mindful choices.

Dining out after bariatric surgery

Before heading out, let’s do a little prep. Knowing what to expect and how to make wise choices can make dining out both enjoyable and aligned with your dietary goals.

A little preparation goes a long way in making dining out a pleasant experience that aligns with your Post-bariatric surgery diet.

The Role of Protein in Bariatric Diets

Protein is your best friend in the bariatric world. It helps with healing and keeps you feeling satisfied. Let’s understand how to ensure your meal has the protein punch it needs.

Protein is vital for your recovery and satiety. We’ll guide you on incorporating it effectively into your dining choices.

Healthy options: Lower-Calorie, Lower-Fat, and Higher-Protein

Making smart menu choices is key. We’ll walk you through how to identify lower-calorie, lower-fat, and protein-rich options on the menu.

Your meal’s nutritional content matters. Learn how to make wise menu choices for a satisfying and nutritious dining experience.

Strategies to Stay on Track

When you eat out, making good choices for your health is important. Here are some easy tips to help you stay on track with a healthy diet while dining at restaurants.

Firstly, focus on finding healthy restaurant options. Look for dishes that include lots of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs without loading up on fat and calories.

Avoiding high-calorie options is key. These are usually foods with a lot of fat and calories that might not make you feel full. Instead, choose meals that allow you to feel satisfied while keeping your calorie intake in check.

It’s also about the quantity you eat. Even with healthy choices, be mindful of portion sizes. Restaurants often serve big portions, so consider sharing a dish or ordering a smaller size.

By making these smart choices, you can enjoy a tasty meal while sticking to a healthy diet. Your body will thank you for the health benefits in the long run!

Healthy restaurant choices

Panera Bread

What to Avoid

When dining at Panera Bread, it’s essential to steer clear of calorie-dense and high-fat options. Avoid dishes like their Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich or the creamy Mac & Cheese. Opting for these can derail your dietary goals.

Watch out for high-calorie and high-fat items to maintain a bariatric-friendly choice at Panera Bread.

Good Options

Panera Bread does offer some healthier alternatives. Choose salads with lean proteins like the Caesar Salad with Chicken or the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken. These choices provide essential nutrients and keep your meal on the lighter side.

Opt for salads with lean proteins to ensure a satisfying yet bariatric-friendly meal at Panera Bread.

Chipotle

What to Avoid

While Chipotle is known for its customizable options, certain choices can be calorie-dense. Avoid items like double-wrapped burritos or calorie-rich toppings like sour cream and cheese. Be cautious with portion sizes and calorie-laden toppings when customizing your meal at Chipotle.

Good Options

For a bariatric-friendly meal at Chipotle, opt for a salad bowl with a protein of your choice, such as chicken or steak. Load up on fiber-rich veggies, choose black beans for added protein, and top it off with a modest portion of salsa for flavor. Choose a protein-rich salad bowl with plenty of veggies to keep your meal nutritious and aligned with your dietary goals.

Subway

What to Avoid

At Subway, certain subs can pack in more calories and fats than you might expect. Avoid subs with double meat or high-calorie condiments like mayonnaise or creamy dressings. Be cautious with calorie-dense subs and high-fat condiments when ordering at Subway.

Good Options

Opt for a 6-inch or salad version of the Grilled Chicken Breast sub. Load it up with a variety of colorful, crunchy vegetables, and choose mustard or vinegar for a burst of flavor without added calories. Choose the Grilled Chicken Breast sub with plenty of veggies and low-calorie condiments for a satisfying and healthier option.

Chick-fil-A

What to Avoid

Chick-fil-A offers tempting fried options like their Classic Chicken Sandwich. Avoid fried items and high-calorie sauces like their signature Chick-fil-A Sauce. Stay away from fried choices and high-calorie sauces to keep your Chick-fil-A meal bariatric-friendly.

Good Options

Opt for the Grilled Chicken Sandwich for a lean protein option. Pair it with a side salad or fruit cup instead of fries for a more nutritious and well-rounded meal. Choose grilled protein and healthier sides for a more balanced and satisfying meal at Chick-fil-A.

Applebee’s

What to Avoid

Applebee’s menu can be tricky, with dishes like the Riblet Basket packing in excess calories and fats. Avoid deep-fried items and calorie-dense appetizers. Skip fried and high-calorie appetizers to maintain a bariatric-friendly choice at Applebee’s.

Good Options

Opt for the Grilled Chicken Salad for a protein-rich, low-calorie option. Request the dressing on the side to control the amount you use. Choose salads with grilled chicken and manage your dressing for a healthier and more satisfying meal at Applebee’s.

Chili’s

What to Avoid

Chili’s offers some indulgent dishes like the Southern Smokehouse Burger. Avoid items with excessive cheese, bacon, or fried elements. Watch out for dishes with excessive cheese, bacon, or fried components to maintain a bariatric-friendly choice at Chili’s.

Good Options

Opt for the Grilled Chicken Salad or Grilled Chicken Fajitas for a protein-rich, lower-calorie choice. Include extra vegetables and opt for salsa for added flavor. Choose grilled chicken options with plenty of veggies for a nutritious and satisfying meal at Chili’s.

Olive Garden

What to Avoid

Olive Garden is known for its pasta dishes, but some like the Tour of Italy can be incredibly high in calories and fats. Avoid creamy sauces and heavy pasta options. Steer clear of creamy sauces and heavy pasta options to keep your meal bariatric-friendly at Olive Garden.

Good Options

Opt for the Herb-Grilled Salmon or Grilled Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables. Request pasta to be substituted with more veggies or a side salad. Choose grilled proteins with sides of vegetables for a lighter and protein-rich meal at Olive Garden.

Cracker Barrel

What to Avoid

Cracker Barrel offers traditional comfort food, some of which can be high in calories and fats. Avoid dishes like Chicken Fried Chicken and rich, creamy sides. Stay away from fried and creamy options to maintain a bariatric-friendly choice at Cracker Barrel.

Good Options

Opt for the Grilled Chicken Tenderloin with steamed broccoli and a side salad. This provides a balanced meal with lean protein and veggies. Choose grilled chicken with vegetable sides for a nutritious and satisfying meal at Cracker Barrel.

O’Charley’s

What to Avoid

O’Charley’s menu has its share of calorie-dense options, such as the Prime Rib. Avoid dishes laden with heavy sauces or excessive cheese. Avoid heavy sauces and excessive cheese to keep your meal bariatric-friendly at O’Charley’s.

Good Options

Opt for the Cedar-Planked Salmon or Grilled Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables. These options offer protein and nutrition without unnecessary calories. Choose grilled protein with vegetable sides for a healthier and more satisfying meal at O’Charley’s.

Texas Roadhouse

What to Avoid

Texas Roadhouse offers tempting options like the Loaded Sweet Potato. Avoid dishes with excessive butter, cheese, or creamy sauces. Skip dishes with excessive butter, cheese, or creamy sauces to maintain a bariatric-friendly choice at Texas Roadhouse.

Good Options

Opt for the Grilled BBQ Chicken or Grilled Salmon for a protein-rich, flavorful choice. Pair it with a side of mixed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Choose grilled protein with vegetable sides for a nutritious and satisfying meal at Texas Roadhouse.

Steps to Dining Success for Bariatric Patients

Before heading out, take a moment to reflect on your past dining experiences. What worked? What didn’t? This reflection will help you make informed choices in the future.

Learning from the past sets the stage for better choices. Reflect and grow on your bariatric journey.

• Harness the Power of Nutrition Information
• Utilize the nutritional information provided by restaurants. Understanding the calories, protein content, and portion sizes can guide you in making wise and informed dining decisions.
• Knowledge is power. Use nutritional information to make choices that align with your bariatric goals.
• Plan Your Restaurant Visit
• Plan your restaurant visit in advance. Review the menu online, decide what you’ll order, and stick to your plan. Planning reduces impulsive decisions and helps you stay on track.
• A little planning can go a long way. Plan for success in your dining adventures.
• Enjoying Dining Out While Staying on Track

Summarize the key takeaways from this article. Remember, dining out is about enjoying the experience while making wise choices. With these strategies, you can relish your meal while staying aligned with your dietary goals.

Balance is key. Enjoy your dining experiences while staying mindful of your bariatric goals.