I feel kind of bad and snobby about semi-dissing Macaroni Grill in my last post. Though my previous experience at the local joint was pretty bad (terrible service both times we went there), last night was really lovely. We had a great waitress who got us everything we needed and wanted. Our whole bill (sans tip) was less than we paid for port last year. (I think I got the port $ wrong yesterday, because it was $15 a glass. Aargh.) Funny how your priorities change over the years.
I “cheated” a bit as it was a special night, but tried to stick to general healthy stuff. Whole wheat penne pasta in pesto topped with roasted garlic, mushrooms, broccoli, grilled chicken and applewood-smoked bacon (ok, so bacon ain’t healthy). I didn’t eat any of the bread they bring you beforehand, and also passed on appetizers and dessert. Had a glass of the self-serve Chianti and some decaf coffee afterwards. I was completely satisfied, and didn’t really want dessert. Meanwhile, DH stuffed himself and regretted it a bit afterwards. The boy, sitting in his infant car seat next to us in the booth, was amazingly well behaved. He is such a joy.
I kind of screwed up and didn’t plan very well for today. Things like fruit, soup, etc. were left behind at home. Meanwhile, the cafe here in the building is having one of my faves – breaded chicken with pasta, etc. I shouldn’t even talk about it because it’s a major temptation. It’s one of those things that I can just chow down on mindlessly until — before I know it — it’s gone. But I’m determined to pass it up and make it through today without straying. I have some unsweetened applesauce, some carrots, oatmeal and popcorn so that should do me so long as I can have soup (or maybe salad?) from the cafe.
I’m feeling stronger and leaner, though I haven’t done MUCH exercise. Just feeling more at home in my body, which is encouragement, also, to continue. I’m not expecting much of a loss, if any, this week due to overindulgence last night, but we’ll see.