Where to get fat

I was lucky in college -- I had a scholarship so I didn't have to pay tuition, or lodging. I had a great summer job working on the Alaska Marine Highway system -- so I had a lot of disposable income. As a result I was able to eat at some of the finest restaurants in Chicago.  In fact, I probably had more disposable income as a college student than I do now.

But where I chose to eat was not fast food places, but places of quality, character, and substance. Places known for having fresh food, tasty food, and in portions that were reasonable in size.

Then I "settled" down- and instead of some unlimited amount - I was eating at fast food places-- not only the ones above, but places like Bennigan's, Denny's, Applebees, and other chains that promise fast food at inexpensive prices.  Guess what happened -- I gained weight. I was at my highest weight in 2000 -- every year since that I have weighed less than the year before.  Still needing to lose more (ok, I gained a few with my wife's pregnancy- she needed company for the nightly ice cream).

What I learned was simple-- places that have inexpensive food are nothing but high-calorie food places-with little taste and a lot of things you really don't want to eat.

So you want to eat out and not gain weight-- eat at some great places- eat small portions, and enjoy your meal.