Can you eat three course meals anymore?

[Arlanymor]

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.

Yes ArseInTheCoOpWindow, I also understand desserts. I speak the language v well. Sometimes a rich chocolatey thing hits the spot, sometimes a tangier dessert is called for. Recently I had an awesome sticky toffee pudding. It all makes perfect sense to me.

I think it is an age thing. I eat a lot less than I used to and can only really do one course now unless small portions. I am no thinner though, which seems unfair!

I’m always hungry so yes, easily!

It's age. When ordering I used to have waiters say "you can't eat that much" and DH would say "she can." Now I can't even finish my main.

I agree completely, @OrangeMugIsBest - this is exactly what I was thinking.

I love the moment when you're hungry and your starter arrives (or you put it on the table! we don't eat out as much as we used to), and you know that there is a whole series of delicious eating events coming up.

Starters are def bigger now. I have digestive issues (reflux) and def can’t manage massive meals. Even before my issues arose I used to share stater, have a main and share dessert. Starters are often nicer than mains anyway! I did like a nice dessert but now my stomach says no 😞

I have found the same as I have got older.

I'm 55 and can eat a 3 course meal no problem! I love a good carvery where I can pile my plate!

It depends on the restaurant. A lot of the cheaper chain restaurants serve starters that look like lunch to me, but that's not what a starter should be.

I struggle these days. Can still eat a tub of Haagen daaz in one go though!

I do! Spin classes mostly. 30-45 mins aren't too bad but the 90 min ones I am ravenous after

And you still get full when you have this one slice if turkey, one roast potato etc?

I have struggled to eat a full meal since I had gallstone pancreatitis about three years ago. It got to the stage I asked for tests to rule out ovarian cancer (as I have most of the symptoms listed above) but nothing came back. I’m 48. Somehow I am also still fat.

I like the French way of a small salad type starter, a main with a little carbs and a small pudding. Their set lunches are a thing of beauty. You could fit it all on one plate but stretching it out makes it seem more of an occasion.

Thank goodness for that! If I'm eating out then I want a decent portion size. I think most people in real life rather than Mumsnet could manage to eat a three course meal 😆😆

I've never eaten a 3 course meal in my life. I'm a grazer so eat little and often. I don't think I've ever even finished a meal let alone 3 of them in one sitting.

The thing is, I'd happily eat a dessert like at 3pm or something. That's when I crave and want sweet stuff. I love desserts - a lovely bowl of homemade crumble with ice cream is my favourite!. What I don't understand is eating something like that after a big meal. I just have no desire for it and can't stomach it. Maybe the problem is I eat too much for my main course!

Yes I do - went for Sunday lunch with my parents recently and it was roast pork, asked for only one roastie and one slice of pork, but still found it hard to finish the rest which was a large parsnip, large carrot, red cabbage, crackling, stuffing, cauliflower cheese and peas. It felt endless! 😅

"I've never seen a person cut a caper in half."

Maybe you're Maris Crane (aka Maris Crané)

One roast potato for Christmas dinner?

This isn't about portion sizes in restaurants supposedly getting larger, this is yet another post bordering on disordered eating and the bat signal has been lit.

I've already 'fessed up to it.

Nope. I used to be able to easily but now, no chance. I can't even manage two full courses, I feel bloated and in pain!

Just to counteract the teeny tinies who cannot possibly eat more than a bite, my appetite is fine thanks. If I was in a restaurant with huge portions, I might struggle to eat 3 courses. That said, I’m a bit non plussed with dessert (unless it’s cheesecake or tiramisu !) and would rather have extra sides or something.

Well I am of a similar age to most of you posting as are many of friends and never mind 3 courses, just let us loose in all you can eat 😉