Help with entering in a meal that isn't in the database?

cydonian
cydonian Posts: 361 Member
edited September 29 in Food and Nutrition
I'm going out with my family tonight to a local restaurant so I know that it won't be in the database. I checked and there is one single item (a side salad, I think) but nothing else. My calorie limit is only 1,200 per day so I ate a light breakfast and will be eating a light lunch knowing that the food tonight would be high calorie.

How would I go about entering what I've eaten? Or should I just not worry about it and do a few extra minutes of bike riding tomorrow?

Replies

  • thetrishwarp
    thetrishwarp Posts: 838 Member
    Ask for the nutritional information or the ingredient list when you're there. If you at least have the ingredients, you can add them seperately.
  • cydonian
    cydonian Posts: 361 Member
    Ask for the nutritional information or the ingredient list when you're there. If you at least have the ingredients, you can add them seperately.

    Good idea, maybe they'll have the nutritional information in a list at the restaurant. Didn't think of that!
  • ladybug1620
    ladybug1620 Posts: 1,136 Member
    Or just enter something similar. If I go to a restaurant that's not listed, I will use an entry from a similar restaurant or meal. It may not be exact but it's better than nothing.
  • angiemartin78
    angiemartin78 Posts: 475 Member
    Some times the restaraunt's nutritionals are on their website and you can just copy that over into MFP.
  • AngieM76
    AngieM76 Posts: 622 Member
    Or if you know how many calories there are, you can always just add the quick calories
  • EmilyQC
    EmilyQC Posts: 69 Member
    Or just enter something similar. If I go to a restaurant that's not listed, I will use an entry from a similar restaurant or meal. It may not be exact but it's better than nothing.


    This is what I do too, only chain restaurants are really represented. I also make sure I skip all the unhealthy stuff. Try to eat the best you can there. I always allow myself one cheat day a week, because i'm notoriously under on my calories.
  • LexyDawn
    LexyDawn Posts: 113
    If the restaurant doens't have the info, I just add each ingredient seperately and throw in a TBSP or two of vegetable oil or butter or olive oil as well... since restaurants hide oil/butter in everything... which is why everything is so delicious!

    Have a great time with your family!
  • cydonian
    cydonian Posts: 361 Member
    Or if you know how many calories there are, you can always just add the quick calories

    That's the issue, I have no idea. It's a small local chain so there's not much info on the net. I could probably look at the portion and guess what's in it or ask the waitress if they have info on the food.
    This is what I do too, only chain restaurants are really represented. I also make sure I skip all the unhealthy stuff. Try to eat the best you can there. I always allow myself one cheat day a week, because i'm notoriously under on my calories.

    I think this may be my cheat day -- I've been good all week and slightly under a few days. I've got 964 cals left for the day, I can't see myself eating that much in one meal anymore!
  • cydonian
    cydonian Posts: 361 Member
    If the restaurant doens't have the info, I just add each ingredient seperately and throw in a TBSP or two of vegetable oil or butter or olive oil as well... since restaurants hide oil/butter in everything... which is why everything is so delicious!

    Have a great time with your family!

    Very good point, and sodium as well!

    Thank you :)
  • NancyAnne1960
    NancyAnne1960 Posts: 500 Member
    If the restaurant doens't have the info, I just add each ingredient seperately and throw in a TBSP or two of vegetable oil or butter or olive oil as well... since restaurants hide oil/butter in everything... which is why everything is so delicious!

    Have a great time with your family!

    DITTO!
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