Good phone app for eating out?

bethsumnerfairweather

Is there a good phone app for when eat out, that will give you quick healthy suggestions per restaurant? I had found one that sounded good called Healthy Out but it won't for some reason. Thanks!

WinoGelato

Why not just use the database of the app you are on right now? It doesn't have every restaurant but I've been using this site for 4 years and eat out regularly at all sorts of places (fast food, fast casual, local neighborhood places and fine dining) and have always been able to log something and stay on track...

bethsumnerfairweather

Thanks I am newer to the site and didn't realize how versatile it is! I am going to do some searching now just to get an idea of what stuff I can eat when I'm out, that is going to be my weakness for sure!!

WinoGelato

Are you logging regularly on the site already? The great thing about MFP is that you have the flexibility to choose a way of eating that fits your goals - whatever those may be and whatever other priorities you want to set for yourself.

For losing weight - enter your stats, activity level, and a goal weight into MFP. Choose an appropriate rate of loss (if less than 50 lbs to lose, then 1 lb/week is recommended).
MFP will calculate a target calorie goal for you based on the information you provided.
Eat a variety of foods to hit that calorie goal, aiming for foods that provide nutrition (macro and micro nutrients), satiety (fills you up) and enjoyment (keeps the process from feeling too restrictive).
Log everything you eat as accurately and honestly as possible, ideally using a food scale for solid foods.
If you exercise, log and eat back at least a portion of those calories as they aren't factored into your initial goal.
Be patient, monitor and adjust as needed.

If you have any medical issues or guidance from a doctor to eat in a certain way (low carb, low fat, etc) or have a preference for a certain way of eating (vegetarian, paleo, etc) than you can certainly build your day around those type of foods in order to address your needs. But you can really eat any foods you like, even at a restaurant, and still achieve your weight loss/management goals since that comes down to calories.

For additional help, I suggest reading the stickied "Most Helpful Forum Posts" at the top of the Getting Started Section. In particular, these are some that I think are most helpful.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10300331/most-helpful-posts-getting-started-must-reads#latest

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10260499/i-like-old-posts-and-i-cannot-lie/p1

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1


Good luck!

amyepdx

Look for the location icon during food entry. It will automatically pull up all restaurants in your area and if their menus are in the database.

Sharon_C

If I know where I'm eating beforehand then I go to the restaurant's website and look up their nutrition information. That way I'm not sidetracked by what looks good when I get there.

Also, the MyFitnessPal app has a great feature. Right next to the barcode scanner is a teardrop shape. That will pull up the restaurant you are at and give you their menu with calories.