It's amazing how many of the chain restaurants have their menus online. And you'd be surprised that restaurants that you thought only served fried and fatty foods (Bloomin' Onions anyone?) actually have some terrific healthy menu choices.
Outback Steakhouse is a terrific example of this. You can order gift cards or email friends to join you at the restaurant with an online invitation at their website. However, as someone who is trying to watch their weight and eat healthfully, you should pay attention to their online menu for your local restaurant (the menu may vary depending on your location).
Once you've downloaded your local menu, print out the PDF, and circle all the recommended Healthy Weight Loss dishes recommended on the Outback website. You can also find Gluten-Free, Heart Healthy, Diabetic, and High Protein/Low Carbohydrate Diet menus.
As part of their 20th "Bloomin' Birthday" celebration, Outback has created some enticing specials to choose from. The Sirloin, Shrimp and Scallops Mixed Grill where a "juicy USDA 'Choice' sirloin meets succulent grilled shrimp and scallops in a mouth-watering combination" looks like a healthy choice. Ask if you can get the dish without the sauce and with extra spinach instead of the whole grain wild rice. Since the spinach is sauteed, ask if you can get it steamed or cooked with a minimal of oil or butter.
As they like to say on their website, when you're Outback, there's No Worries. And with a little planning, eating out should leave you with no worries, just sticking with your diet and weight loss plan.
