How do you log difficult foods?

amberx1127
amberx1127 Posts: 45
in Food and Nutrition
For example, yesterday I had to eat at school so I decided to get a salad. There was a bunch of healthy stuff in there (chick peas, beets, grilled chicken, kidney beans, etc. but I couldn't measure anything so I had to guess all the portion sizes which is hard to tell when looking at it all mixed up in there. I had no idea how many calories were in that salad! Is there any easy way to get a decent estimate on foods like this? I often have this problem when I have to eat out. Like the other night we had Chinese and I ordered plain steamed chicken and veggies with brown rice, didn't finish it all, but how do I know how much of everything I ate? What do I log? Any advice??

Thanks :)

Replies

  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    Find the closest possible match in the database. When guesstimating, always overestimate and never choose the lowest calorie entries in the database. Log everything you eat & drink accurately & honestly. Doing otherwise will not move you closer to your goals.

    Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • kmclauchlanquinn
    kmclauchlanquinn Posts: 31 Member
    I just make an estimation based on the likely ingredients. Don't stress out too much. Just be as accurate as possible <3
  • msbunnie68
    msbunnie68 Posts: 1,894 Member
    I usually estimate.

    I'm not sure about the US but quite a few restaurants here in OZ now list their menu online, and even better, the kilojoule intake per serving.

    If you can at least see the menu online you can get a description of what is in there to estimate or log.

    HOWEVER: if this is only an every now and then thing.... or even once a week thing... then eat a sensible amount., log it as just extra calories that takes your day up to maintenance level calories (not losing goal calories which is what you are currently set as) and move forward. If you eat up to but not over maintenance calories you should still not gain weight.
  • Swiftdogs
    Swiftdogs Posts: 328 Member
    Put most of your effort into accurately logging those items with the biggest calorie hit, either things you eat regularly or calorie dense items in occasional meals. For your salad, estimate the chicken and beans as well as you can, and the dressing too. You can be wildly off on the veggies and not make much difference.

    In general, just do the best you can. If you're losing according to your set goals, then don't worry about individual meals. If not, then you probably need to adjust your "eye" for estimating.
  • amberx1127
    amberx1127 Posts: 45
    Thanks everyone :) I think they need to make an app on my iphone that I can use to help eyeball portion sizes. With pictures or something! That would make this easier lol
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    If you Google portion sizes, you'll see lots of photos using your hand as a guide. For example, 4 oz. of chicken breast is the size of your palm.

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