Eating out

Niccipj1022

Do you eat out? If so, what are some tricks to measuring foods?

diannethegeek

I do eat out, though I tend to keep it to just special occasions (couple of times a month, usually).

I think this post covers everything I try to log my calories from it: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10213155/a-guide-to-going-out-to-eat/p1

twinkles2121

Usually research what I'm going to have before I go. Although if it's a spontaneous thing, I follow healthy plate, 1/2 plate veg, 1/4 grains, 1/4 meat and take the rest to go. (Also if the plates are abnormally large, use the inner ring )

AmyRhubarb

I do, weekly. If it's not a chain restaurant where nutrition info is available, I do my best with the SWAG method - a trick I learned from a former boss of mine who always said that's what he was using on days when he wasn't sure how much product to order - Scientific Wild *kitten* Guessing! I try to estimate each part of the food I'm eating, like my favorite steak salad from our local pub - I eyeball the measurement of greens, blue cheese, tomatoes, onions, croutons, steak and dressing and log accordingly. Hasn't seemed to derail my progress.

If it's a burger or sandwich or something like that, I might find an entry in the MFP database from some other restaurant that seems to be the closest match and just go with that.

MelaniaTrump

I gave up.
Last time I visited one, I had all intentions of getting the grilled chicken w/ broccoli.
I'm a fail.
Why spend $12 on something you can make at home?

tamaraworrall

Google is your friend .most restaurants have a downloadable menu with their calories on and a light bite section that's under 500 calories or 600 calories even pizza hut and pizza express

polkadot346

The struggle is real for me at restaurants. Due to my schedule and that its just my husband and I (plus no dishwasher!) we eat out prob 3x week for dinner. I'm getting better at choosing healthier options, avoiding chips, bread and alcohol altogether (unless a special occasion) but I have no idea if my educated guesses on calories are even close to accurate. One thing I do is over estimate calories when I eat out, so I can balance my intake the rest of the day.
My trouble are the weekend "fun" nights w friends where chips and alcohol play a big role in derailing progress.

kthompson601

I do eat out, but not nearly as much as I used to. If I can, I plan ahead, and use the restaurant's nutrition information to decide what I'm getting before I go. Unfortunately, I live in an area that has a ton of local spots that don't provide nutrition info, so I have to do some estimating. I try to estimate high, and not eat out very often. For example, my favorite place has only two locations and no nutrition info available. My fave dish is a grilled cheese on sourdough bread with Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions. I have no idea how many calories are in that, but I estimate it really high. I always get the salad on the side, but it has a homemade dressing that has God knows how many calories.

AmyRhubarb

AmyRhubarb wrote: »

I do, weekly. If it's not a chain restaurant where nutrition info is available, I do my best with the SWAG method - a trick I learned from a former boss of mine who always said that's what he was using on days when he wasn't sure how much product to order - Scientific Wild *kitten* Guessing!

Ha, didn't realize it censored one of the words! Supposed to be wild *kitten* guessing, but you probably figured that out.