Tracking at a party

acstansell

Hey all,

Over the next two weeks, I have a few family engagements coming up (not to mention Thanksgiving and Xmas around the corner)... what do you guys do to track foods where you can't find the restaurant in the database, there's no bar code to scan, and you aren't in control of the ingredients?

As it stands, I've been estimating - but estimating high.... I just wanted to see what the rest of MFP forums does in situations like this because it can be hard, but I don't want to give up during the holidays.

dls06

Estimate, estimate. That's all that you can do.

Try to avoid high-sodium items or eat less of it.

If in doubt, sample something and eat less of it - maybe a bite or two of this and that.

Don't pile your plate high with food and come back for seconds.

Drink lots of water to make yourself fuller and chase away hunger pangs and eat less.

Focus more on people and conversation and mingling than eating.

This is great advise.

kyylieeeeee

I look search for something that already resembles it, add it, overestimate on purpose (especially if it's been prepared by a restaurant or catering company), and move on. When you aren't in control of the ingredients, there's only so much you can do. And if you know you're going way over in calories, you can "Quick Add Calories" in your diary.
Yesterday was a big family event, and I knew at the beginning of the day I'd be overeating...so I estimated what I could, added 500 extra calories, and forgot about it. Today's a new day, and I'm back on track. It's definitely important to be conscious of what you're eating, even at social/family functions....but it's also important to have a good time, enjoy the food your family makes, not stress too hard about every single calorie, and spend time with friends and relatives!
Good luck!

acstansell

That's pretty much what I have been doing - filling my plate with more vegetables, instead of starches. Some protein, but mostly veggies. Also, If there's any sweets, I divide the portion in half. I'm trying to eat slowly to try to fill up, setting my fork down between bites. Finally, I'm drinking water before and during the meal. Yesterday, I felt that I did pretty well, I was just wanted to see what others did.

The other thing I did is that I did my exercise BEFORE the event, that way I had 300 extra calories (sadly, I used 1/2 of them on beer. I just wanted a beer. But today, I have a headache.)

MelissaL582

Your best guess with portion control is all you can do.