Dissecting your calories, especially when you eat out

Some places have nutrition info booklets/packets. I always ask for one; if they don't have one I'll do what Chassidy does and search for "burger no bun" from wherever I'm eating. If all else fails...I just say **** it and get cake. Kidding!!!! I'll get it as close to accurate as possible. I've discovered some places you can just type in "____ menu" and the whole menu comes up!! That's only been a couple of places though...

It can be soooo tedious searching for stuff-and putting in recipes too, but we gotta do what we gotta do, right?

I also have no problem asking the server to check with the kitchen on serving sizes.  So, for instance, if I order fish tacos (which I wouldn't because, like you, I find it too difficult to parse out the ingredients) I'll ask the server to ask the weight of the fish.  I have found that all restaurants measure out their portions by weight (particularly on the protein) so I get an accurate pre-cooking weight.  If I were to order something like fish tacos, I'd order the sauce on the side and use it sparingly.  I don't sweat a handful of lettuce or cabbage, etc. and I'll guesstimate cheese add ons.  When I'm out, my go to meals are usually fish or steak based.  I'll get salmon (again asking the serving size) and sub out any rice, potato, side for broccoli or other green veggie.  Eat my protein first then move to the veg. if there's room. 

I said on another site that maybe it's because I live in LA where everyone and their brother is on some random eating plan, but I've never had a server question me or give me attitude when I ask about portion size or request a particular cooking method.  Even fast food places.  There's a fast food japanese restaurant across from my office where I get a terriyaki chicken bowl, with no terriyaki sauce.  It's never fazed them.  When I stick to basics, I find that eating out is relatively easy.

With an empty nest my wife and I go out on Friday and Sat nights.

Most times we choose places I can make good choices and I use MFP ahead of time, to lock in my choices based on the restaurant style. Chicken, Fish, Steak, Veggies. . .

But lately my better half is getting tired of the same few restaurants we have been going to, and ventured out to Mexican, and others restaurants not so good eats friendly, and that do not have clear choices I can make.

Last weeks 1/2 of a Burrito (Best choice I could find) killed my food plan, but I chalked it up to a 1 time during the whole week blast, and tried to compensate thru this week.

I order a fajita at Mexican places if they have it.  Then I eat about one cup of just the meat & veggies.

Does the Mexican place you go to carry ceviche? It's delicious and definitely in line with the program!

I haven't been out to eat much at all yet, but when we go I look at the menu on line 1st so I can look for the best choices for me. I also ask for a to-go box early so I can pack away the extras for another day and get all sauces on the side. (tip I learned here!)

Those are great things to do. I do the same thing if I know where we are going in advance. If I'm stuck somewhere without a preview chance, I just pick a protein/meat, and then the best sides I can. I usually don't eat more than a bite or two of the sides anyway. The to go box was a great idea that I learned here too!

My 14yo son seems to be forever grateful for this. The other morning he got 3/4 of an excellent meaty omelette I ordered, 2 pieces of this marbled rye toast, and a whole order of hash browns. He had already eaten a huge bowl of cereal, and he devoured my leftovers immediately following! LOL

LOL  My boys are 20 and 22. They like finding those "treats" when they come in late and hungry!!