My mom took me for an impromtu lunch at Friendly's (ice cream chain) today. NOTHING on their menu is good for calorie counting! I ended up with an oriental chicken salad with dressing on the side.

According to online, 490 calories WITHOUT the dressing.
I ate:
All the lettuce
1/2 (or less) of the chicken
Almonds
No dressing
No crunchies

Can I assume take away maybe 200 calories for the chicken and crunchies so maybe I ate around 290 calories?

Hi Eliana,

For myself, I'd guesstimate the weight of each item, Daily Plate it as best you can, and move on.

Occasionally, I get too concerned about the numbers. Numbers of calories, number on the scale, number for protein vs. carbs, number of reps, number of minutes I need to work out to actually see progress. I can really obsess, if I don't watch it.

So, basically, I've resolved (as best I can), to count everything as honestly as I can and move on. No matter what the 'true' numbers are, as long as I'm doing my best to move in the right direction, I'm doing all I can.

Not sure if this is helpful. Maybe someone will come along soon with a helpful suggestion.

Best wishes!

I would probably round it up to 300 and call it good. Even if you are off a bit, it won't matter too much in the grand scheme of things.

Awe, thanks guys. I need to chill out. I guess it's just that with the holidays and being off schedule (off work) I've had more than usual unplanned eating days. I keep eating too little, actually, or fewer but larger meals. It's not my routine. My little diet bubble has burst! I guess this is where it starts to become life.