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Original poster

Can you eat three course meals anymore?

231 replies

Arlanymor · 17/04/2024 11:55

I used to be able to, but these days no way would I manage both a starter and a pudding and sometimes I can’t even finish my main. I don’t have any dietary issues and I’m not watching my weight (although probably should be!) but I just can’t manage it anymore.

I tend to eat tapas more and more because then I don’t run the risk of wasting anything. But even if I am really hungry, I just can’t manage much more than one course, unless the starter is a salad or something similarly light. I’m 45.

OP posts:
greengreyblue · 17/04/2024 22:53

Never have. Used to like a stater and main but it’s all so expensive that we only ever go for main now and even that’s ££££!

ohthejoys21 · 17/04/2024 22:51

I'd like to.. but I'm in my 50's and just don't need so much food anymore.
Think you need less as you get older.

MaryHoldTheCandleSteadyWhileIShaveTheChickensLeg · 17/04/2024 22:13

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 17/04/2024 20:44

I've only seen the threads where women eat oh so little but their sons/6'+ husbands eat huge amounts endlessly. I guess the middle ground is less loud on eating threads

Show quote history

Seriously? There are always loads of threads with MNetters backslapping each other for binge eating chocolate/pizza/cakes etc.

There was one a couple of weeks back where the OP was roundly applauded for binge eating a large amount of Cadbury's Creme Eggs.

There's always been a firm balance of undereating/overeating threads on MN.

TroysMammy · 17/04/2024 21:35

I can't anymore and haven't for a few years. I wish I wasn't able to in my 20s and 30s because now in my 50s I'm a little pudding.

coxesorangepippin · 17/04/2024 21:35

I'd struggle tbh

I usually just order a main

TheFireflies · 17/04/2024 21:32

fieldsofbutterflies · 17/04/2024 16:43

My mum also asks for one roast potato and she’s 75. Sorry if it’s outside of your realm of experience!

75 and 45 is very different in terms of life stages, though. It's well documented that elderly people need less food and have smaller appetites, but I genuinely don't know anyone in their forties who would go for Sunday lunch and ask for one slice of pork and one roast potato.

That honestly sounds like incredibly disordered eating to me.

This is how I’ve eaten for around three years (mid forties), I genuinely physically can’t eat like I used to, I’m certainly not competitive or smug about it, in fact I’m quite worried and have been to the GP. And I’m not a teeny tiny, I’m size 22. So actually in some ways it’s quite reassuring to hear other people around my age saying similar things.

shearwater2 · 17/04/2024 21:10

I do find people utterly joyless to eat out with who either police others for eating so much, or eating too little, or make them feel uncomfortable about what they have chosen to eat. It is so rude and dull.

DrCoconut · 17/04/2024 21:06

If I find anywhere that does 3 properly gluten free and vegetarian courses that I don't need a mortgage for then I'm going all out 🤣

reallytimetodeclutter · 17/04/2024 21:01

Yes. And I'm a bit fat because of it! (I'm 40)

Rewis · 17/04/2024 20:59

Depends on the restaurant. Posh ones, yes. High Street restaurants, nope.

ThePoshUns · 17/04/2024 20:56

If I have a starter I normally share it as otherwise I won't eat my main.
I rarely finish my main and very rarely have dessert unless it's a crème brûlée.

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 17/04/2024 20:44

SabreIsMyFave · 17/04/2024 19:31

No I certainly can't eat a 3 course meal @Arlanymor When I go out for a meal, I have a starter and a dessert, OR just a modest sized main. (I'm middle aged.)

It seems to be quite fashionable on Mumsnet though - and a couple of other certain forums - to brag about how you can eat half an elephant as a starter, a tree between two hills as a main, and a 125 kilo bowl of ice cream served in a bathtub for dessert.

Anyone who doesn't eat massive portions, and is happy/satisfied with less food is royally mocked and derided. The irony in these posts is breathtaking. These people are clearly projecting, so I tend to not engage with them. And this will be my only post on this thread.

.

Edited

I've only seen the threads where women eat oh so little but their sons/6'+ husbands eat huge amounts endlessly. I guess the middle ground is less loud on eating threads

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 17/04/2024 20:41

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 17/04/2024 20:03

I can’t find it.

But it was a thread about someone who went out for a meal and only managed to eat 1/2 a salad as they were too full for the rest.

It was similar to this thread. But attracted a lot more derision.

Show quote history

(Thanks)

MajesticWhine · 17/04/2024 20:29

Yes I most certainly can eat 3 courses. I am not sure what age has to do with it, but if relevant I am 52.
My family has a vile habit of sharing starters. I am ok with sharing pudding though as I don’t have so much of a sweet tooth.

RickyGervaislovesdogs · 17/04/2024 20:20

Unfortunately for my waistline, yes.

rainontherooftop · 17/04/2024 20:17

Not unless it was pretty light/small portions. Half the time I can't even manage two courses which is disappointing.

Dymaxion · 17/04/2024 20:05

I like places that cater for everyone's appetites. Somewhere locally will let you order a starter and then a starter as a main if you like, they also do a coffee and a small piece of pudding instead of a full portion of pudding, which always seems popular.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 17/04/2024 20:03

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 17/04/2024 19:58

What is the salad thread??

Show quote history

I can’t find it.

But it was a thread about someone who went out for a meal and only managed to eat 1/2 a salad as they were too full for the rest.

It was similar to this thread. But attracted a lot more derision.

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 17/04/2024 19:58

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 17/04/2024 16:24

I’m 60. I’ve noticed no desire to eat less or scarf less cakes.

This thread is the salad thread by another name.

One roast potato😂

What is the salad thread??

Auburngal · 17/04/2024 19:55

Have been to restaurants- can’t remember which ones. They have the same dish which you can have a starter or main course size. So you can have an actual starter (one not available as a main) then a starter sized main.

There’s an Italian restaurant 10 minutes walk from me and their special menu on weekends is only £1.50 more for 3 courses v 2 courses. If I’m fairly full - get their homemade lemon sorbet. Very nice and refreshing.

Snackpocket · 17/04/2024 19:46

I’m 42, depends on the size of the courses! We often take advantage of the early evening set menu at Cote Brasserie and I can manage three courses there as the portions are just right. But in other restaurants I’d only ever have one or two courses.

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 17/04/2024 19:41

SpringOfContentment · 17/04/2024 15:37

To quote my youngest (many years ago) "my main course tummy is full, but there is always space in my pudding tummy"

Sweet 🥰

starfishmummy · 17/04/2024 19:39

Same here but I'm 20 years older than you and have a hiatus hernia which doesnt help. It's the amount in a short space of time - so a decent rest between courses and I can mansgeteo courses. At home if we have a pudding we'll eat it at least an hour after the main so we can do justice to it!

SabreIsMyFave · 17/04/2024 19:31

No I certainly can't eat a 3 course meal @Arlanymor When I go out for a meal, I have a starter and a dessert, OR just a modest sized main. (I'm middle aged.)

It seems to be quite fashionable on Mumsnet though - and a couple of other certain forums - to brag about how you can eat half an elephant as a starter, a tree between two hills as a main, and a 125 kilo bowl of ice cream served in a bathtub for dessert.

Anyone who doesn't eat massive portions, and is happy/satisfied with less food is royally mocked and derided. The irony in these posts is breathtaking. These people are clearly projecting, so I tend to not engage with them. And this will be my only post on this thread.

.

MissTrip82 · 17/04/2024 19:14

Yes. Im 46.

I’m lucky, I have a good appetite,