Counting calories at an event?

SophiaJane81

Hi

So I was at my nephews christening today. I am wondering how on earth do I count calories at events like that where there was a hired hall with food served buffet style. Obviously i would not bring my scales. Any suggestions?

tess5036

It's difficult, try to estimate and find closest matches in database, or estimate the amount of calories (remembering that will usually under estimate) and do it as a quick add

AnnPT77

For most of us, such a thing is rare enough that an estimate will do, based either on similar dishes in the MFP database and portion guesses, or by estimating each of the ingredients . . . but don't obsess about it. Being a little off on the rare day isn't going to have much impact in the grand scheme. Log your best guess,and go on with life

The other thing I've done occasionally - and only if circumstances permit it to be subtle and in conformity with good etiquette! - was to snap a quick photo of my plate with my phone, so I can record later. Putting my hand or a fork or something in the photo can help estimate portion size later by providing scale. But absolutely don't do it if it would be rude, of course.

Cbean08

I just make smart choices. By now, I have a good idea of what certain portions are of things and I make my plate according to what I know and feel comfortable with. Look for things that aren't mixed with a bunch of things. It'll be a lot easier to estimate the calories in a serving of plain chicken than it will be to guess a chicken kiev.

Also, don't be tempted to overload your plate just because the food is free. Focus on the event and spending time with others, not with eating.