Eating out

megz85g
megz85g Posts: 101 Member
edited October 2024 in Food and Nutrition
How do you track calories when eating out and not knowing exactly what is in it?
for example, yesterday we went for pancakes and i had a creamy chicken and mushroom crepe, but have no idea what calories to allocate to it.

Replies

  • sneezles
    sneezles Posts: 165 Member
    I don't ever order something that complicated when in weightloss mode. It's difficult to determine amounts of ingredients especially things like butter,four and salt. You could search for a generic crepe and then a creamy chicken and mushroom sauce.
  • AlwaysSarah87
    AlwaysSarah87 Posts: 62
    Check online. Most places have calories online. I usually check before I go places so I know if something is two serving to only eat half and save the rest. If it isn't online I try to type it in and go with whatever I can find closest and don't get too discouraged if I am a little off on my calories for the day. It is just a guide to get you to be more aware. Good luck! :)
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,337 Member
    When I was really working at losing weight I would not eat at a place that did not have nutritional information available. There were a couple of times when we went in a restaurant, asked for nutritional information, and if they didn't have it walked back out. Now I am a little more flexible on things, but I still chose to spend my money where they are willing to give me nutritional information rather than elsewhere.
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    Last night I went to a local restaurant for a friends birthday. Most chains will have the nutritional values listed, but if not like last night I just make a good choice and guess, or don't log dinner.

    Last night I had a buffalo chicken sandwich (grilled) with no bun or dressing, and a side of veggies. I really eat out on average less than once a month since I feel like I have so little control over what I eat.
  • soniams
    soniams Posts: 95 Member
    I've handled this a few different ways. If I go to a chain restaurant, I will look up the nutritional values on their website. If the restaurant is not part of a chain, I will search for similar foods on the MPF database. (For example, at my office we recently had mexican food for lunch brought in from a caterer. I entered the calorie counts based on Pollo Loco foods. I figured this was close enough.) Finally, if it is a restaurant I eat at regularly and I have a frequent menu item I order, I will create a recipie on MPF that approximates the ingredients and at least gives me a ballpark calorie count. Doing this has really helped me to better understand portion sizes and ultimately make better eating choices.

    Good luck,
    Sonia
  • kelley_lynn
    kelley_lynn Posts: 133 Member
    No idea.. to be honest. I dont know of many places over it, that does a break down, unless A fast food chain, but considering I dont eat out often. Its not something i have looked into yet, but, then maybe i need to....
  • rosebarnalice
    rosebarnalice Posts: 3,488 Member
    You could try looking up several recipes for something similar ( I like epicurous.com and cooks.com ) and then using the ingredients you find there. [e.g., http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chicken-Crepes-with-Asparagus-and-Mushrooms-105117 http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1739,152181-244200,00.html]
  • cclaborn22
    cclaborn22 Posts: 85
    Eating out is difficult one to tackle. I do not do it very often, but when I do I try to stick with my regular meal plan. If its breakfast I'll ask for egg whites cooked dry (or with as little butter/oil) as possible cooked with spinach and other vegetables. If it's during the day I'll ask for a chicken breast cooked dry or with as little olive oil as possible, cooked without any butter or salt. Have that with a spinach salad or sauteed vegetables and your golden. Eating like that also helps track your calories on MFP. :smile:
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