I'm sure this has been asked before, but I'd like to know what people think about this question. I don't eat out often, and when I do it's not at McDonald's or other fast food restaurants where point counts are available. But how do you all count meals when you dine out? One can guess at portion sizes (number of ounces, cups, etc.) but you really have no idea how much fat is in the sauce, or what the food is cooked in.

The same question goes for deli food, etc. Even Whole Foods doesn't give you nutritional information. What do you do with that thing that looks like a baked vegetable patty (Whole Foods has something that's a corn fritter with other vegetables in it that LOOKS as though it's been baked and not fried)?

I need guidance!!!

You ask questions of the servers. Look up a similar food at another restaurant or a recipe for a similar dish. Most restaurant food has huge portions and you should plan on boxing some up before you start eating. I like www.thedailyplate.com. Their database has thousands of foods from restaurants and brand names as well as generic.
I personally prefer not to use supermarket prepared foods or eat out very often - way too many calories and preservatives.

I agree....ask your server what the portion sizes are. Also, Applebee's is WW friendly They have the point values on quite a few meals.

If you want to know how something is prepared, ask! Even at the grocery market. Although, I must admit I avoid their premade deli foods. They tend to have too many calories for my taste.

As for restaurant portion sizes, I end up using my measuring skills to cut out a serving on my plate. It's guesstimating, but since I don't eat out often, I don't believe it's to my detriment.

I'm jumping on board with this thread to read some of the suggestions. I'm having the same problem. Thanks for posting this!

It is always a guessing game for me. Sometimes I am more successful than others.

I tend to go places where I can at least estimate the nutritional info based on something comparable - if you are going to an Italian restaurant, it's pretty easy to figure out points for basic pasta dishes, for example. If you have meat + veg, that's pretty straightforward too, then estimate for any sauces/breading/etc.

But yes, if you have a question about how something is prepared, just ask. No one will look at you funny They shouldn't, anyway, seeing as how you're a paying customer and all! I mean, if you had a serious allergy to wheat, for example, you'd feel justified in knowing exactly what goes into your food - why should this be any different?

Thanks for all of these answers. As I wrote, I don't eat out often, and when I do I try to get something that I CAN guesstimate, but it's very helpful to read what others do.