How do you figure out how much you've eaten when you eat out.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to measure your food when you go out to eat? I use Daily Burn to record my servings but I don't want to take a measuring cup with me to restaurants. For example, I went to a restaurant for lunch today. I ate a salad with chicken, egg, and cheese as protein. I ate a little less than half of the regular size bowl. I used half of the dressing. How do I record this? I have no clue!!!

Does Daily Burn have a search option for foods? I use Daily Plate and they do -- so I search to see if I can find "Bob Evans xxx" or whatever and you can find a lot of things are listed. Then I choose 1/2 or 1/3 portion... eye balling is so hard!!!

I have found that a lot of restaurants will weigh for you... if you only want 2 oz. of meat... just ask. I haven't been told "NO" yet. Places are accommodating.

Salads would be difficult -- you know taking a 1/2 cup measuring cup or plastic container in your bag is not a bad idea... you could line it with plastic wrap so it wouldn't have to be cleaned right away...I think I'm going to try it.

Meg

I estimate.  After a while you get pretty good at figuring around how many oz of protein that was although I have been very tempted to ask them what the serving size for protein is.  Never have though.  The lettuce and stuff doesn't add up to much calorie wise.  If it was Ranch dressing, I guess at how much I ate.  I always get it on the side so I can better know what I'm consuming plus I really do eat less that way.  Your recorder may have another salad that looks similar and you could count that.  I do that with homemade soup.  I'll find a canned one or something that looks like it would be similar and use it instead of trying to do all the calculations.

That's funny Meg. I thought I would look funny pulling out a measuring cup and putting my chicken, egg, and cheese in it. LOL I guess I could try it.  Price, I have been eyeballing it but it's hard when they mix everything together except the chicken. I have them put the dressing on the side but I don't know what size cup I had to start with. LOL I am learning so much with this procedure. Thanks for the suggestions.

Like Price, I eye-ball it too.  It isn't exact so I'm pretty careful about my choices.  Maybe these charts will help...

Thanks, I'm going to have to copy and paste this in word so I can take it with me.

Most excellent!

Wonderful examples.  Thanks.

Thanks for posting. Gonna copy and keep one in my purse for later use and one for the fridge.

I have always taken my own dressings by Walden Farms for years.. they are sf, gluten free, fat free, carb free and calorie free... if you bring a measuring cup in your purse or bag ask for an extra plate and measure and move what you are going to eat to the other plate and discard of or feed your dh the rest :)  ..  at a buffet type salad bar do the same.. bring it all back to our table and measure onto your eating plate before eating.. I even have a very small scale lol.. I was always afraid if I was pulled over they would get the wrong ideal :) ... this tool will be so much easier :)