Eating out

I've noticed that if you're going to a chain restaurent, MFP has a lot of dishes in their system. If you're not, I'd just eyeball what you're eating and input each ingredient once you get home. It won't be perfect, but it's better than not logging the calories at all, in my opinion.

It's ideal if you can check out the menu online beforehand (most chain restaurants post their nutrition info online). That way, you can pick what you're going to eat and log it accordingly. If there's no nutrition info available to you, you can either ask for it at the restaurant or just be smart about what you choose and log the closest thing you can. Remember, ordering a salad isn't always the answer as creamy dressing, nuts and cheese can all add a lot of cals. Be sensible and you'll be fine!

Even if your not going to a chain restaurant, many items are prepared pretty similarly in most restaurants... I think a guestimate using the chain food items will probably get you to the same place. And always remember, it's one meal. Unless your planning on not ever eating out again as a lifestyle change, you will be eating out from time to time. This big thing is to take that into consideration when planning the rest of your day or week (however you count things).

If I know I'm going out, I try to eat a lean but full of protein breakfast and get a good work out in that day.

I agree with what others have said, I always look up nutritional info online and plan ahead whenever possible.

Another option is to eat a small lunch at home before you go out with friends, then order something simple at the restaurant (a small salad or a vegetable soup, for example). That way you can still be involved but you know you're not having too many calories at the restaurant.

If you know what they serve, try to find something similar from a chain restaurant and use that as a guide for calories, etc.

Hello All,

Hope you don't mind me barging straight in with a question?

I am new to MFP, and am a little anxious about it- I have a lot of health and diet restrictions- but I am hoping to manage some weight loss- anyway, tomorrow we are out for lunch with friends, I have eaten at home all week, and have weighed foods, and been strict with calorie counting- how does this work when eating out?

Thank you in advance.

Just do your best at lunch and adjust your breakfast and dinner to accommodate for any extra calories you may consume during lunch.

a few tips I consider when I eat out:

1. Dont drink your calories. If at all possible just drink water (maybe with lemon) with your meal.

2. Stick to meal choices that are broiled, baked or poached-- staying away from words like fried, stuffed or smothered.

3. If your ordering a salad, ask for your dressing on the side

4. If your ordering a sandwich, try a whole wheat bread or a wrap

5. If the portions are bigger than what you would normally have measured for yourself, ask for half your meal to be wrapped right way.

Try not to worrying to much about it and have fun. If the rest of your week was okay, it will all balance out.

Stick to grilled, like grilled chicken salad.
I normally have chicken Caesar salad, write all the ingredients I can see, down on a napkin & track those when I get home :]

Thank you for your replies, it's not a chain- just a good old English country pub. Will try to be sensible with my choice- thank you.

They'll probably have jacket potatoes, you can get tuna mayo with a side salad for around 600calories.