I have often said that I could go anywhere except the concession stand at a sports arena and find something for a Type O to eat. Today I was proved wrong - at a popular nationally franchised Italian restaurant.

I took my journalism students on a field trip today. Our first stop was a photo shoot for one of our yearbook advertisers. Then we ate lunch before touring a local television station. I let them vote and they chose this particular Italian restaurant.

I find Italian to be one of the most difficult types of restaurants for Type Os because of the emphasis on bread and pasta, but I have always been able to find something to eat.

I often choose salad. Today there was only one salad entrée on the menu - and it was Caesar salad loaded with cheese. I often get a grilled chicken breast with vegetables and leave the pasta behind. On this menu the only chicken breast was breaded. There was grilled chicken, but it was cubed and tossed with pasta and creamy sauces. The only vegetables were with entrées priced over $10. I chafe at the thought of paying that much for a lunch laced with avoids. Even the soups had kidney beans, pasta or both.

There was nothing beneficial. There was nothing neutral. I had to look for the least offensive avoid. I ordered eggplant Parmesan. Avoids were wheat in the breading and Parmesan cheese. At this restaurant they bring big bowls of salad for the table to share. More avoids for me in the dressing and cheese, which were already mixed in.

On the bright side, I didn't let the lunch avoids get me off track for the rest of the day. When I got home I ate a bowl of homemade trail mix. I had a normal dinner of lamb and three vegetables. Hours later, I still can't think of a better choice than the one I made. I hope I am never pressured into going back to that restaurant chain!