Eating Out - Decisions

[Muddybird_26]

The trouble is, it’s not so difficult to make a meal with no gluten or meat or eggs. But it’s pretty much impossible to make a meal that has no carbs at all, even vegetables have some. So then you have the question of how low do you go, and everyone is different. My daughter is on an insulin pump, so can just take as much insulin as is necessary for the food. In the early days we used to take a copy of Carbs and Cals everywhere and try to make an educated guess of the carb count using that, nowadays she just guesses and if it goes a bit wrong, correct it later. I realise that it’s different for non-insulin users, but a lot of places will swap potatoes for more veg or salad or something, if they don’t then maybe leave that bit and don’t eat there again!

I don't go very low, it's more balanced. Yes, I am aware that veg contains carbs I'm not aiming to remove all carbs. My struggle is what to say to the serving staff when I need to adjust a dish so that it isn't so carb heavy. I find it difficult to state what I would prefer, especially when in a social situation.

 

[Muddybird_26]

Usually fine with foods on menu, if say burger came in a large roll then might ask to substitute chips for a salad.

When I tried low carb would ask for omelette if one wasn't on menu, most independent cafes ok with this but not big chain ones.

Tbh couldn't think of anything worse than mentioning type 1 to cafe staff, just don't like any fuss & it's no one's business anyway.

I think hit the nail on the head for me, I don't like the fuss or the bother. I feel really awkward because I can end up going down a rabbit hole really quickly with trying to explain it all as there isn't an easy way to explain so I tend not to in the first place.

 

[Muddybird_26]

We don’t eat out that often, but when we do, I look on it as an opportunity to appreciate good food and good cooking, not to seek to adapt a chef’s carefully planned combination of ingredients. As a T1 I’m fortunate not to need to restrict carbs, though I would restrict obviously carb-heavy stuff. So, if they’re part of the meal, there’s usually some potato or rice left on my plate, and if we get to the pudding stage (rarely, as we much prefer to have interesting starters) I just have a spoonful or two of whatever my OH is having. I don’t inject in advance of the food appearing because I have a better idea of portion size when it’s in front of me; I roughly calculate the carbs, inject accordingly, and correct later if necessary.

Chain establishments are certainly more predictable as regards carb content and portion size, but then, so is the food.

Thanks @JJay that is what I have found myself doing recently - leaving the heavy carbs on the plate and eating what I feel happy with in the meal.
I have made the mistake in the past of injecting before the food materialised only to go into a hypo because it was so delayed. My mistake which I learnt from.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks @JJay that is what I have found myself doing recently - leaving the heavy carbs on the plate and eating what I feel happy with in the meal.
I have made the mistake in the past of injecting before the food materialised only to go into a hypo because it was so delayed. My mistake which I learnt from.

If I order something and say no chips for example and it come with the chips, I just ask for a spare plate and put the chips aside and usually someone in the group will have them.

 

[Muddybird_26]

I have just been sent a lunch menu for something I am going to in a few weeks and was amused to read at the bottom.
All meals may have nuts, fish meals may have bones and all deserts have CALORIES.

That made me laugh.
I went to M&S cafe recently, they have just changed over all of their sandwiches to new and improved ones (of course). Did my usual and checked the nutritional info to work out the carbs and I just laughed. It gave the carbs per 100g of the sandwich but there was zero info as to how much the sandwich weighed.

 

[Muddybird_26]

If I order something and say no chips for example and it come with the chips, I just ask for a spare plate and put the chips aside and usually someone in the group will have them.

Yes, it's the unexpected that arrives on the plate.
My hubby is a willing recipient of the higher carb'd foods

 

[Inka]

Wow, that's alot of carbs!

I'm looking at how I manage my selection of food but also the type of communication that I give to the serving staff as there are times I do want to do this.

It's when I feel pressured to make a choice that's become a bit of an issue. Happened the other day when I saw a choice I would have made only to be told 'sorry, we've just sold the last portion' and ended ordering something else that had a huge baguette (I ate a third of it). I was with someone else and the waiting staff were waiting for me to make a choice. I often feel pressured to make a quick decision

In that situation, I’d have asked them to give me a minute so I could decide. Many people might want a bit of a think before changing their choice. When I choose a meal, I always have a second choice in my head, so that helps too.

 

[Inka]

I don't go very low, it's more balanced. Yes, I am aware that veg contains carbs I'm not aiming to remove all carbs. My struggle is what to say to the serving staff when I need to adjust a dish so that it isn't so carb heavy. I find it difficult to state what I would prefer, especially when in a social situation.

Don’t bother adjusting it unless it’s an easy thing, eg soup but you don’t want the bread roll. Also, ask before you order, eg does the X come with rice, or whatever. You should have a pretty good idea of what will be turning up then.

You don’t need to mention the Type 1 at all. Lots of people might ask for details of the meals.

 

[JJay]

That made me laugh.
I went to M&S cafe recently, they have just changed over all of their sandwiches to new and improved ones (of course). Did my usual and checked the nutritional info to work out the carbs and I just laughed. It gave the carbs per 100g of the sandwich but there was zero info as to how much the sandwich weighed.

You might find the NutraCheck app useful. It gives carb counts for a huge database of foods, including M & S offerings, by pack size as well as per 100g. Useful also for establishing a rough carb count for restaurant meals. You can get a 7-day free trial to see if it suits

 

[nonethewiser]

I think hit the nail on the head for me, I don't like the fuss or the bother. I feel really awkward because I can end up going down a rabbit hole really quickly with trying to explain it all as there isn't an easy way to explain so I tend not to in the first place.

Taking it your newly diagnosed.

In time things like eating out will be less stressful & challenging, lot of us experienced members can eyeball food & sometimes get insulin dose near enough right, when we don't it no big deal & just correct things either way.

One other thing, don't get hung up about eating carbs, some of the advice on here is aimed at type 2s who have to be more careful with amount, most of everything else you read elsewhere is just dross so you enjoy a rich & varied diet.

 

[Maz2]

I do my best to choose a meal with meat, fish, dairy and ask for extra veg. I ask them to leave off the potatoes or chips. I don't mind if I have to pay for extra veg or a side salad and generally ask for these. Most places I go to are happy to substitute. People I eat out with are used to me only asking for certain things and changing everything around.

 

[Muddybird_26]

In that situation, I’d have asked them to give me a minute so I could decide. Many people might want a bit of a think before changing their choice. When I choose a meal, I always have a second choice in my head, so that helps too.

there’s an assumption that people come into an eatery, sit down and choose but ….. it’s about how to manage headspace or to give myself headspace but saying to the person serving that I want a few more minutes so that I can make a good choice

 

[Muddybird_26]

I do my best to choose a meal with meat, fish, dairy and ask for extra veg. I ask them to leave off the potatoes or chips. I don't mind if I have to pay for extra veg or a side salad and generally ask for these. Most places I go to are happy to substitute. People I eat out with are used to me only asking for certain things and changing everything around.

Thanks for sharing and that is helpful. That’s is really clear and positive in how you manage your choices

 

[Muddybird_26]

Taking it your newly diagnosed.

In time things like eating out will be less stressful & challenging, lot of us experienced members can eyeball food & sometimes get insulin dose near enough right, when we don't it no big deal & just correct things either way.

One other thing, don't get hung up about eating carbs, some of the advice on here is aimed at type 2s who have to be more careful with amount, most of everything else you read elsewhere is just dross so you enjoy a rich & varied diet.

No! May surprise you I am not - 12 years T1

I had not noticed until very recently that I’ve built up quite a bit of anxiety about how and what to choose food wise. I find it stressful selecting the food that I know is good for me. Currently the struggle is that I have become really insulin resistant. I am altering my carb ratios on my pump on a weekly basis.

I am curious as to how others handle their way of choosing food

 

[Muddybird_26]

You might find the NutraCheck app useful. It gives carb counts for a huge database of foods, including M & S offerings, by pack size as well as per 100g. Useful also for establishing a rough carb count for restaurant meals. You can get a 7-day free trial to see if it suits

That is really good to know, thank you. Will check out Nutra Check app

Have used carbs & Cals

 

[Inka]

there’s an assumption that people come into an eatery, sit down and choose but ….. it’s about how to manage headspace or to give myself headspace but saying to the person serving that I want a few more minutes so that I can make a good choice

Then just tell them you’re not ready yet. I’ve been out with large groups of people and we’ve all been looking at the menu but also chatting at the same time. When the waitress or waiter comes up to take our order, other people in the group - ie people without diabetes - say “Give us a few more minutes”.

It’s not a big deal. I’m guessing you’re recently diagnosed. Just keep it simple and go for something easily countable.

 

[SB2015]

We quite often end up not being ready to order as we are just chatting and forget to sort out what we want to eat, so there is no problem asking for my time. In some places you can also look at the menus online beforehand so that might help you with your choices. This might help to reduce the stress you experience eating out.

When I eat out, I tend to choose whatever I fancy. I then do a best guess at the carbs, underestimating better than over estimating as I usually walk home. If I have got it wrong, a correction later on will sort it out. I am not out every day so if I am a bit high now and then for a short time it won’t have long term effects.

 

[nonethewiser]

No! May surprise you I am not - 12 years T1

I had not noticed until very recently that I’ve built up quite a bit of anxiety about how and what to choose food wise. I find it stressful selecting the food that I know is good for me. Currently the struggle is that I have become really insulin resistant. I am altering my carb ratios on my pump on a weekly basis.

I am curious as to how others handle their way of choosing food

Really sorry to hear that @Muddybird_26

If not already done make sure to reach out to your Dr for help with your stress & anxiety, both conditions can cause bg levels to rise meaning you need more insulin to get by, same way as when you have cold flu or virus going on insulin needs increase.

 

[Satan’s little helper]

there’s an assumption that people come into an eatery, sit down and choose but ….. it’s about how to manage headspace or to give myself headspace but saying to the person serving that I want a few more minutes so that I can make a good choice

You’re entering that establishment as a patron & contributing a tip at the end of the evening for a great culinary & all round social experience with appreciation of the service provided. A little more time whilst the hospitality focuses elsewhere then comes back when you are ready, is acceptable.
At some restaurants, my eyes have glazed at the menu. We’ve just ordered drinks whilst I weigh things up?

 

[Dragonheart]

As a low carbing type 2 of 6 years I try and look at the menu ahead of time if I can.

Otherwise I look for meals where the protein/meat/fish and veg aren’t mixed all in with the carbs (so no lasagna etc). Then I simply tell the wait staff I cannot eat the bread/rice/pasta/potatoes etc and ask for it to be substituted with something else on the menu somewhere - usually more salad or veg - or more of what’s already on the plate, without being silly about choosing expensive items. Sometimes I mix sides and starter and ask for it all to come as a main.

Not once has it been refused or made a fuss about. Rarely have they asked questions either. Occasionally they check it’s not an allergy situation (no), only once have they’ve asked if it’s medical as they only do swaps for medical reasons (yes). No details offered or asked in the vast majority of cases. Some have bent over backwards trying to help and are interested, or knowledgeable about low carb even.

I object to paying for a meal where I’m know I’m going to leave half of it on the plate uneaten. A waste of food and money. So I ask. If they don’t like a customer asking for what they want/need then I probably don’t want to give them my money anyway.