Go Big or Go Home
Hey everyone! Hope you’re having a wonderful night. Is it the weekend yet? Sheesh.
Sorry I’m late posting today— after work I went straight to Longhorn to meet up with the girls.
I had the usual nutritionally-devoid iceberg house salad (no cheese, no croutons) with balsamic on the side
And didn’t mess around when it came to the salmon.
Remember how they robbed me last time by giving me a fish the size of a chicken finger?
I wised up and got the 10 oz. this time, with veggies and a plain sweet potato.
Go big or go home 😉
It was glorious.
Earlier in the day, I went to see Ashley for a massage and she gave me a 60-minute deep tissue on my legs and feet. It was EXACTLY what I needed! I almost cried a few times while she was doing it, but when I got up to leave I could walk like a normal person. Granted it’s night now and my knee is slightly swollen, but the fact that it’s getting gradually better and not worse is giving me hope 🙂
I have to show ya’ll my lunch because it was simple yet epic.
Steamed organic broccoli:
Mung bean fettucine (1.5 servings for 30 g of protein POWER!)
Organic marinara, nutritional yeast and basil
Party for my face 😀
I’m off to get ready to bed since I meet my group early for the Lifestyle Challenge. Tomorrow we’re talking about adding high-quality and nutrient-dense foods into their diet -their challenge last week was to work on eliminating processed foods.
Night <3
Gina
Today’s tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want when dining out! I’m notorious for making my own meals off of menu items… just be sweet, joke about being difficult (or sometimes I tell people I’m lactose intolerant, even though I’m not), and do it with a smile on your face. YOU’RE paying for it—they might as well make the small alterations so you can enjoy your meal. Then if they mess it up, politely send it back (usually I’ll say, “Hey, I’m really sorry but I asked for no cheese/a different side/no butter/whatever. Would you mind taking it back to see if they could make another one? Thank you). You should be able to enjoy a meal out with friends and family without sacrificing eating the foods you want to eat.
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Lovin’ the big salmon. 🙂 I love creating my own meals too – as long as you are nice about it, people are usually very accomodating!
Good for you getting that hunk o’ fishy!! I agree-if you’re paying for it, they best be serving you what you want! I worked as a waitress and obviously people with no modifications were easier to serve, those with special requests always got what they wanted. It just takes a little side note is all.
I’m totally with you on making what you want at a restaurant…I was a server for a while so I know how annoying it can be when someone modify’s but is rude about it, so I always make jokes about it, let them know I’m going to be annoyingly difficult, and I tip big…its just all about how you treat people. That pasta looks delicious by the way!
Sometimes I get nervous sending food back of it’s not made correctly because I don’t want them to be mad, or worse, spit in my food!
i think if you’re super nice about it and ask for it that way in the first place, it’s no biggie!
you’re so cute!!! i can’t imagine people would be mean about it anyway 🙂 that salmon dinner sounds SO good!
i ALWAYS custom make my meals and ask a million questions, even my BF gets awed when I order something and DONT ask about something that it’s served with! i NEED a deep tissue on my legs too! my hams are so tight, and that sounds perfect, I know its painful but its just what I need 🙂 the foam roller just doesn’t do the trick to those hammys!
I totally agree with your restaurant tips. I do it all the time….I can’t remember a time when the server was rude/upset when I ordered something special because I always do it with a smile and am super polite. It does help to joke about how difficult you are. 🙂
Totally agree with that point! I definitely ask for what I want now, because I always regret it if I don’t 🙂
omg i am totally wanting my massage NOW (i have one scheduled for monday). and your tip is spot on. i make sure that i get what i want when i go out to eat. i figure, i’m paying $$ for it. i’m going to have it the way i like 🙂
I’m totally a Sally when it comes to ordering… I’m always asking for this with that on the side, and that instead of this.
I agree that if you’re polite about it, you might as well ask about a change– after all, the worst that can happen is that they’ll say no!
I could so go for a massage!! Glad to hear you are resting…it is hard but your body will thank you!
We had a big bowl of steamed broccoli too!! xoxo
i always feel super diva when i eat out–but there’s inevitably always something i want them to do different. and you’re right, we’re paying–and, moreover, the food (hopefully) isn’t premade… so it doesnt take too much effort to leave out/add an ingredient
Glad your knee is on the road to recovery! I love creating my own meals, people are usually accomodating but every once in awhile I find they are annoyed even if you do smile big and be extra nice. Good night 🙂
I have been on the make for those Mung Bean noodles and NO DICE! I’m so sad! I’ve only been to one store, but it was our Coop, so I was totally baffled that they didn’t have them. Whole Foods is next and then I’ll work my way through the smaller natural food stores. I live in San Francisco, they have to be out here SOMEWHERE.
So jealous of your lunch!
I totally agree with your tip on how you should be able to order what you want off of a menu. However, I always feel so self conscious being picky at restaurants now. In Europe with my grandparents, we went out to every meal, and they apparently were extremely embarrassed with me when eating out. I had no idea. And my family members have given me a hard time as well, saying I’m embarrassing. It’s so sad, and we shouldn’t feel self-conscious, but I can’t help but feel judged now.
I relate. I get self-conscious also and a little embarrassed when ordering in restaurants. I get scared I am going to get that annoyed look from the waiter. I am even EXTRA nice but still 2 times out of 5, I get the waiter with an attitude. BUT I am paying good money for a meal so I just let it go. I also go to the restaurants website before I dine there to review their menu and already know what I am going to order so that it saves time and I am already familiar.
I love those mung bean noodles. Protein-packed pasta gets two thumbs up from me! I’m always creating my own meal at restaurants. Depending who I’m out with, I sometimes get more flack from the people I’m dining with than the wait staff. Luckily I have a whole list of witty/funny things to say to divert attention from my customized plate 😉
Mung bean – that sounds so interesting (and definitely in a good way, not in the I-have-nothing-else-to-say-other-than-interesting way!) And I always feel like such a tool for sending back food that I end up apologizing to *them* for their mussing it up, but you’re right – far better to speak up and enjoy what you’re paying for!
Mmmm…I wish I could find those mung bean pastas around here. I did have shiratake noodles tonight though. (talk about nutritionally devoid!)
Great tips about eating out! And as a waitress, I can definitely add that when people make alterations it’s usually no big deal. At a typical sit-down restaurant, most of the food is going to be made to order anyway, so requesting specific changes is fine and shouldn’t be a hassle for the person serving you. And of course it’s nice if your appreciation is reflected in the tip!
that fettuccine looks amaaazing– where did you find it??
I keep seeing that nutritional yeast everywhere….what exactly does it do for your body? what does it taste like?
Something like ‘sauce on the side’ is fine with me, but when it gets down to a list of customizations, I’d rather stay home. It does embarrass me when I’m with someone who does it. We’re paying for a prepared meal but not really for something tailor made. But if you’re nice about anything, most restaurants will gladly comply.
I’m the queen of “Is that meat or vegetable based?” and “Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!” when I order out at restaurants.
Mung bean fettuccini…hmmmmmmmm
Rarely is there a meal out when I don’t ask for mods. Every time my husband pokes fun at me but I know I’ll be more happy when i’m served what I really want.
Great tip Gina!
I NEVER send food back, even if it’s cold/not what I ordered because I don’t want to be rude or “that one who sends her stuff back”.
But you are right, I am a customer and in a shop I wouldn’t accept a faulty item now would I? 😀
I never thought about saying I was lactose intollerant, brilliant idea! 😀
xxx
I have been craving nutritional yeast all week and made some miso gravy last night to enjoy on my veggies; what a great ingredient. It did take me a while to get used to how to use it.
I struggle with eating out, especially at work functions since people look at you like you are weird. For me, it is not so much the restaurant that worries me but the people I am eating out with.
Can you believe that one time my friend Karla and I went to a restaurant and she ordered a pizza without a few toppings…and they charged her $1.00 for every topping she took off?! This wasn’t a pre-made pizza, either. They were literally making it from scratch and charged her for not allowing them to ADD ingredients. She tried working it out with the manager but got nothing, then wrote them an email to which the woman replied in a nasty tone that if we hadn’t been sitting and gabbing at the restaurant so long, it may have been different.
Yikes.
Anyway, good for you for reminding us that we need to be firm in our positions. I love your go big or go home fish 🙂 Glad the massage did wonders for you, too!
Have a fabulous weekend, Gina!
whoa, that’s crazy! and BAD customer service on their behalf
That pasta looks delish.
I always get slightly annoyed when the waiter/waitress or hostess makes me feel bad about changing the menu. After all, they are a food SERVICE establishment, and it is their job to serve you well in order to keep you a customer. So I agree- if you ask nice, they SHOULD fit the menu to your needs!!
xo
K
I’m getting a massage today BEFORE my 5k tomorrow hoping it will losen up my back which I’ve managed to mess up AGAIN! I’ve already decided tht if my backs is STILL bad AND the weather is really bad (it’s supposed to rain) I’ll just relax and prepare my self for NEXT weekend’s 8K.
I always try to be polite when ordering at restaurants because I order a lot like you and change things around. I HATE when the waitresses are like (and this actually happened) I don’t think you can get the veggies without anything on them, the kitchen steams them in the microwave. I was like, “huh??” It was a process to get plain veggies, I couldn’t believe it!!
and yes, YAY for FRIDAY! 🙂
Would you consider hosting a Lifestyle Challenge on the blog? I have enjoyed the shape-ups but those small steps in the eating part is EXACTLY what myself (and my family) need! Thanks <3
I totally agree with you about ordering what you want. The key is to keep a sense of humor and be nice!
Yep. I create my own meals off menus, too. Usually, I find the other people I’m dining with are more annoyed than the server. I think it has to do with the fact that they’re secretly jealous they don’t think “that way” (i.e. health-minded). 😉
That mung bean pasta looks amazing!! I saw some at the natural foods store the other day, and it’s pretty pricey. Maybe I’ll wait for a sale 🙂
Have a great day!
I love the word epic. Anytime I see it I typically hear it like this in my head Epiiiiiiiiic. haha.
I’m a pretty picky eater myself, I’m also a waitress. I’ve worked at quite a few places from pizza & beer, to high class italian. No matter where I have worked I have never seen anybody spit, or tamper with a customers food in any way. So be safe. I’m not even sure if restaurants like the one from Waiting exist. Keep ordering what you want without fear.
Evey
Those mung bean noodles are intriguing. I’ll have to look for those!
I’m totally with you on asking for what you want at restaurants. Most places are willing to accommodate so long as you’re friendly about it.
Happy Friday!
Great tips! I’ve been experimenting with this when my better half & I go out to eat, it’s really easy and they are super accommodating 99% of the time!
Everything looks delish, yummy!!
you are right to ask for what you want when you dine out. and you are a great example to us!
have a good day!
Hey girl! Your mung bean blog posts have made me want to try it! To Whole Foods I go today on the mung bean pasta hunt. Thanks for the inspiration!
Even though I LOVE cheese, I’m “lactose intolerant” when I order out as well. Restaurants put WAY too much cheese on meals for my tastes! I definitely approve of customizing your own meals – you’re the one paying for it!
Hello!! How are you? Sounds like you had a nice day. I need a massage like that- my legs are screaming after teaching pump this am. I couldn’t agree more with your notion of asking for what you want at restaurants. I have gone to heavy duty meat restaurants, told the waiter I’m a veg, and had the BEST meals made for me. I so want to try that fettuccine!
I’m totally with you on your restaurant tips – I ted to see the meals listed as a starting out point and then build them to my liking. 🙂 Not in an annoying way, I just happen to be lactose intolerant and figure that if I’m paying for the luxury of going out to eat, why not get exactly what I want?
Thanks for the dining out tip. I’m always intimidated to be so specific. Not anymore!!
I love to make up my own meals too…on second thought I actually love when a restaurant has what I want without forcing me to think it up myself. But, I feel like sometimes, even when I’m as sweet as pie, waiters act like you’re asking them to do brain surgery. I mean, is making an egg WHITE omelette really that difficult?
What kind of marinera sauce do you use and where do you get that mung bean pasta? I like the sound of 30g of protein for eating pasta. 😀
it’s seeds of change pasta sauce and the mung bean pasta is from the health food store. amazing for 30g, huh?!
So glad you’re feeling better – a massage always does wonders. I’m just wondering – did you almost cry during your massage b/c of the pain, or was it a release for you? Personally, I’d rather endure a little pain for a deeper massage as opposed to a ‘lighter’ massage and not feel better afterwards. But I’ve also read about (and somewhat experienced) that feeling of wanting to cry during a massage b/c it’s giving you a release. Also happened to me during yoga, too.
i almost cried because it hurt like the dickens, but i felt everything release. i really, really, needed it to get broken down a little.
Gina, I love, love, love your blog. I was just reading it as I was inhaling, err eating, some amazing raw icecream and thought I’d share with you since you don’t eat the dairy kind. You should see if your Wholefoods stocks Cashew Creamery–it’s dairy-free, soy-free, sugar-free. So when lent is over run and get some!
whaaaaaaaat???? must find this asap. thanks for letting me know!
Your fettucine is just yummy-looking! You always whip up the best dishes.