I miss dessert.  I miss brownies, cheesecake and ice cream.  It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in any of these in a restaurant, not because I’ve been on some crazy, anti-deliciousness diet, but because it is simply impossible to stuff any more food down my throat following one of the enormous meals that are being served in restaurants nowadays. 

I am full.  After reading this article over at divine caroline I discovered why.  Liz Monte took a look at the portion increases (in calories) of several foods over the past 20 years:

• Two Slices of Pizza – 70% Increase
• Cup of Coffee – 633% Increase
• Movie Popcorn – 133% Increase
• Bagels – 150% Increase
• Cheeseburgers - 77% Increase

Along with their sizes, restaurant meal prices have also shot up.  From 1987 to 2007 the cost of a McDonald’s hamburger went from $.62 to $.89, a 44% increase.  

These changes have been hard on both American’s waistlines and their pocketbooks; not to mention our pensions for desserts.  The so-called value meal touts more bang for your buck, but only if you shell out a little more buck.  Who asked for more bang?  Maybe the bang-to-buck ratio was just fine.

I’m always looking for ways to save money, and calories for that matter.  Fortunately, for every problem there is a solution.  In this case, there are many solutions.

1. Appetizers – not only are they cheaper, they are frequently finger food.  I for one have always loved to eat with my hands.
2. The Kids Menu - it’s not always chicken fingers and mac ‘n’ cheese, many restaurants offer child-sized-portions of other meals off their menus.  Honestly, I’m a huge mac-n-cheeser myself.  And no, you don’t always have to be a kid to get these deals.  It never hurts to ask.
3. Split It -find a food soul-mate and split one of those too-big meals.  Unfortunately, I can’t do this with Husband, the man hates cheese for crying out loud.  Who hates cheese?!
4. The Dollar Menu – be warned, this will not work if you order 10 items.
5. Eat at a Restaurant with a Menu Section Dedicated to Smaller, Cheaper Portions -here are a few that I’ve found:

 

Red Robin – Best Kept Secret: The Petite Burger

Their menu is huge, literally, so it’s no wonder most people don’t see the line where you can order any of their burgers in a smaller size for a cheaper price. 

California Pizza Kitchen – Small Cravings Menu

Chili’s – Bottomless Express Lunch

Cheesecake Factory – Small Plates & Snacks

Quiznos – Sammie’s

T.G.I. Fridays –  Right Portion, Right Price

Olive Garden – Garden Fare

PF Changs – Starters/Small Plates

If you have a favorite restaurant with petite portions, share it; unless you like eating alone…

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