I practically live in my car. I work for myself and when my kids leave at 6:30 in the morning, I'm out of the house, too. I'm often not home until 7 or 8 at night, so my days are long.

I carry Snacks but as summer approaches, it's harder to do so I'm always trying to find options that are tasty and inexpensive. I also don't like having leftovers because my cooler will only keep things so long in 90 degree heat.

I have found that restaurants will work with you if you are polite and simply ask for what you want.

Noodles has a small side salad (garden or caesar) and will allow you to do an add on meat. They don't advertise it but it's the perfect size for $4.

Qdoba had a kids' bowl and will double the Beans and leave out the rice. Add meat, cheese, sour cream and lettuce and it's perfect. $5

Which Wich "skinnies" your sandwich by pulling out all the soft part of the bread, or you can have your sandwich in a lettuce wrap. Either way, I can only eat half, but for $7, it can't be beat.

Panda Express sells their Entrees in a teeny box for $3.50. It does not come with rice, which is fine for me. A bigger portion is the kids' meal for $5. I get the veggies and an entree, not the lo mein or rice.

Jason's Deli will allow y the get a kids' salad for $4.50. It's one trip to the salad bar and a drink (to go for me) and it's very fresh.

I order kids' meals all the time. I don't ask if I can, I don't apologize or explain, I just order it. It works.

Wow, good info. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for giving me permission to order from the child's menu. I usually worry too much about what the server will think. But you're right. Why should it matter to them that I'm a senior rather than a junior?

Oh, but I just remembered that the food on the kid's menu is mostly breaded and fried. I'll use this strategy next time if there are any edible offerings on the kid's menu.

Oh! At costco or Sam's, I get a hot dog for $1. I add lots of relish, skip the bun and it's delicious.

If I am near a grocery, I have no problem asking for a source or two of shaved lunch meat and good cheese. Costs less than $2, and I can eat it on the go.

Thanks for giving me permission to order from the child's menu. I usually worry too much about what the server will think. But you're right. Why should it matter to them that I'm a senior rather than a junior?

Oh, but I just remembered that the food on the kid's menu is mostly breaded and fried. I'll use this strategy next time if there are any edible offerings on the kid's menu.

Most fast casual (Chipotle, Qdoba, Panera, Noodles &Co, etc.) just use adult foods in mini portions as their kids' menu.

I agree, though. Most sit down places have a crappy kids' meals. In those places, I go for an appetizer.

My bariatric clinic gave me a business card that says, "This person has had surgery and is required by doctor's orders to restrict the quantity and types of food consumed. Please allow her/him to order a smaller portion or make a selection from your children's menu." I carry it with me everywhere I go and no one has balked about it.

My bariatric clinic gave me a business card that says, "This person has had surgery and is required by doctor's orders to restrict the quantity and types of food consumed. Please allow her/him to order a smaller portion or make a selection from your children's menu." I carry it with me everywhere I go and no one has balked about it.

I have one, too. I won't use it. I've not anyone tell me no to my requests yet. Maybe they can sense my inner b/tch...

Thanks for these ideas! I know many people could not eat all of it, but I like a lettuce-wrapped Carls Jr "Famous Star" burger for an on the go splurge .

Oh yeah, the appetizers. More and more that is all I order from when I eat out. Sliders without the buns, shrimp cocktail etc. if I'm in the mood for fish I order from the regular menu and ask that they not provide whatever rice or potatoes. They look at me oddly and some will state " you know it's the same price, right?" To which I nod my head yes and smile. I also get odd looks when i have what looks like an entire meal wrapped up to go. My husband laughs when they keep walking over to me asking " are you sure everything was ok?". I am truly enjoying my weight loss and this (I hope) forever way of eating

Here are some of the kids meals I've gotten.

Chik Fil A - grilled nuggets (4 and 6 pieces), cup of fruit, and a diet lemonade (or any other drink you want). I just wish there was one closer than two hours from my house!

Wendy's - kids meal with a grilled chicken wrap and apple slices.

McDonald's - chicken nuggets, but I peel off the battered crust and apple slices.

Texas Roadhouse - grilled chicken with steamed broccoli.

Dairy Queen - grilled chicken wrap and a banana.

Arby's - junior turkey and cheese and applesauce.

I wish my surgeon had those cards to give out. Maybe I'll make my own! If the restaurant menu say something like 'for kids 12 and under please' I don't even try just because they use the word please! Haha.

Meh. If they ever said no, I'd simply walk out. If I was with a group, I'd order a drink and enjoy it. I no longer NEED to eat just because everyone else is. I like that.