I am going to meet some friends at Old Chicago tomorrow night at midnight. This isn't something I usually do in fact I doubt I will ever do it again but this is when these women can get together. But on my new diet what in the world do I eat???? I figure I can borrow some calories and carbs from supper or not have an afternoon snack but I looked at their menu and nothing looks like I can eat it. With diabetes I know that I am going to come to this a lot.

At the meal, go for veggies, no sauces, breading, ie fried. Lots of meat, or fish, again plain. A big salad, light on the dressing. Snacks, cheese, almonds, olives, pickles SF jello, raw veggies. Small amount of very dark chocolate, at least 65% cocoa. Yes, really! Beer and liquor have lots of carbs, but a glass of RED wine should help keep your bg
steady.

Have you visited the ADA site yet?

I looked up one of their websites and they offer nutritional information that might be helpful if you haven't seen it yet. I would probably go for one of their grilled chicken sandwiches or a burger but not eat the bun.

For snacks I like low fat string cheese sticks, raw veggies, high protein granola bar and apples.

Have a great time that place looks really fun!!

I won't be having a meal. They just order appetizers. her friend and her Mom also will drink, maybe quite a lot. My daughter and I don't drink.

Salads are usually a good choice if you avoid the ones that have pasta in them.
Artichoke dip with vegiies is also a good choice but watch the dip as it is rather high in fat.
A couple of helpful tips for restaurant salads and other meals:

Ask for the dressing on the side; and a low fat/calorie variety if they have it
Dip the fork in the dressing and then into the salad, rather than dumping the dressing onto the salad (you'll consume far less dressing this way and still get the taste of the dressing.
Also ask for a couple of lemon wedges to squeeze over the salad for extra flavor.

Ask that they hold the bread and croutons; but if that or anything else shows up that is not on your diet plan, set it to the side of your plate before you take your first bite and salt it heavily so that you will not eat it in a weak moment.

Portion the meal before you begin to eat, so that it is in aligment with what you feel is a reasonable amount (generally what will fit into the space of your two cupped hands for a salad, or in one hand for a main course; and heavily salt the rest so you won't eat it.

Drink a cup of unsweetened green or herb tea before your meal as a beverage (it cuts the appetite and fills the tumy a bit).

Eat the protein portion first if you are having a main course or a salad that is served with chicken, shrimp, beef etc; as this will make you feel satisfied sooner. Portion the protein item off and heavily salt the amount that is excess of 4-6 oz (about the size of a deck of cards); so you won't eat it.

When you are satisfied, even if you have not eaten everything edible on your plate, sprinkle some salt on what is left and pop a strong mint or a cough drop into your mouth straight away (bring some with you). Halls sugarless cough drops are great for this.

Order some herb tea for the close of the meal to sip on after the mint.

Enjoy visiting with your friends!

With love, Erika

Hopefully there will be some healthy ones because often the appetizers, which I happen to love, are the worst.

Yeah Jule that's my problem.

BTW Most restaurants will serve a veggie tray with dip if you ask for it even if it's not on the menu

With love, Erika

Well all my concerns were for nothing! I did as Erika suggested and asked for a veggie and dip plate. It cost $1.39 with tax!!!! I gave more tip than I did for the plate. It had red and yellow peppers with it. I have always said that i hate peppers because I don't like what they do to me. I tasted the red one and immediately put it down. But the yellow one was good! So this week I have learned to eat brocolli and yellow peppers. We had a great time, stayed out much longer than I had thought I would.