How to log food when you cannot find the information?

Caddell

Not sure this is the correct place for this so I apologize if it's not. I'm going to Rock-Ola with family this weekend and they are not listed in the database. I usually get a steak and fries (or sometimes veggies). I've tried contacting the company to obtain a calorie break down of their menu but haven't gotten any response. And of course the information isn't online. Since they aren't in the system and I cannot find the accurate information I'm not sure how to log the food. Any suggestions?

skygoddess86

This is how I do it, I just pick a place that seems the most similar and is posted on line. It isn't the most accurate but what else can you do?

MFPfriend

Sometimes, you are just stuck guesstimating. You could ask the waitress/waiter to bring only so many cups of whatever you are ordering, but then again, some may consider it rude.

When I go out, I usually just end up estimating. One night won't kill you.

SraArroz

I know this won't help you for this instance, but it may be a good resource for you in the future....

http://www.dwlz.com/restaurants.html

bjberry

Here is a calorie-counting site: http://thecaloriecounter.com/

If you know about how many ounces your food is (the waitress might know that), this site can help. As mentioned above, it is still a sort-of guess, but it is a fairly informed guess.

Have fun!

TuscanySun

I use Calorieking.com...try there?

herbnkitchenfairy

I am a personal chef and I have to often "create" my calorie counts as they are not available online. What I would suggest for a situation like you described is look up the cut of meat and the portion you normally consume. Ie. 8oz Filet. Ask the server how it is prepared. If she says they rub it with olive oil and season it with S&P then you can guestimate an oz of OO to add to your meal. You will have to build. If you order fries I would ask them if they could roast them (you will get the same effect as if they were fried) but if not ask what the portion size is and what kind of oil they are fried in... then search here. It wont be 100% but you will get a close estimate. If you have a salad eat it with a smidge of Olive Oil/Vinegar and a squeeze of lemon on it. If you get any veggies request them steamed with no butter etc on it. Again squeeze some lemon.

You can never be sure what you are going to get when you eat out but always let them know you are on a restricted diet and ask about the leanest cuts and options. Maybe instead of fries you could order a baked potato. I like mine with a teaspoon of sour cream and parmesan cheese. Hope this helps.

sorellabella

I use Calorieking.com...try there?

Thanks for sharing...I think I will look at this more often.

obifatkanobi

I don't know if it will help, but there is an rather extensive food data base that we all can access, it's:

http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

If they don't have it, it's probably not edible...