The Case For Smaller Portion Sizes At Lubbock Restaurants

You know that obnoxious adult who orders a Happy Meal from McDonald's?

Hi, that's me. I do upgrade to a large diet drink, though.

And while the toy is quite nice, it's the portion size I'm seeking. A cheeseburger Happy Meal clocks in at about 400 calories (if you don't get the milk), which is an ideal amount of lunch calories for me*.

*over the last couple of years I've lost a significant amount of weight. The only way to do that is to be in a calorie-deficient state. I completely recognize that eating more, less calorie-dense food is ideal, but sometimes I want a dang cheeseburger and a few fries.

No McDonald's employee bats an eye when you order a Happy Meal with extra pickles, extra onions, and a large unsweetened tea. So why do other restaurants deny you the pleasure of a smaller portion?

Should All Lubbock Restaurants Offer Smaller Portions?

The majority of Lubbock restaurants offer smaller portions, but usually they are designated for kids and seniors, and sometimes the offerings are...childish. Some restaurants/ waiters will let you order off these menus anyway, but it can be awkward to ask.

Now I will defend a local restaurant and their staff if they do tell you "no," because some offer these items at a significant discount and lose money on them. The kid's meal may be a courtesy to the adult, whose plates make up the difference.

I'm not asking for a deal- just the ability to order less for a fair cost. Many area places will let you do a half order and knock a couple bucks off (although I wish it was listed on the menu more!)

Why Do You Need A Smaller Portion When You Could Just Take A Doggie Bag?

Great question- and I usually do just that and eat my food over a couple of meals. However, I'm not always going straight home after a meal. I'm not willing to poison myself, so that only leaves me the option of wasting food, which I loathe.

Sharing is, of course, an option for some. However, the person I usually go out to eat with works a physically demanding job and can clean his plate and work it off later.

And no, I don't always want a salad. And no, they don't always have less calories than a cheeseburger (seriously, watch the dressing/ cheese/ croutons!).

Also- delicious food is addictive. Some people need to remove the temptation to eat the massive portion by only having a reasonable portion in front of them in the first place.

So what's the solution?

Lubbock Restaurants- Offer A "Light Bites" Menu!

I am promising you, adding a "light bites" section to your menu is a good idea. I am not unique in wanting smaller portions. You don't have to add any ingredients- just make some plates smaller and/ or offer your mains with less calorie-dense sides.

Charge a fair amount, and I, along with many others, will be there. And for those of you already doing this, or have "a la carte" items available- I cherish you.