How do you look up Chinese Food?

Lately, I've had to Google it, then find a similar food in the Fat Secret? If there is a better way, please let me know. Thanks!

Yea, I have that same question.

I've done that or if you can't find it, then I find a recipe and enter it into my cookbook (don't "share" or you can't edit it if needed).

Or the other thing I've done is (if you can) break down the dish into it's components and take your best guess - estimating portion sizes, etc.

Remember, none of this is an exact science - even what is in the FS database probably isn't completely accurate. BUT it is to give you a starting point. And it's the discipline of tracking your food - and it's going to give you a number. And you can see a trend.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying to not try to be as accurate as possible, after all, otherwise, what is the point? But try not to get too hung up on an exact number.

Good luck! Joyce

I have this issue frequently for my lunches. Larger chain's like McD/BK/KFC who publish their numbers have much better information in the database. Small places like mom & pop Chinese do not.

I agree with Bodicea, try to find something that fits reasonably (any try not to cheat yourself!). And when you find stuff like that fits, I like to save it so I can reuse it. Sometimes it is hard to remember and find those things!

For example you may look up "egg roll" and get some back that are 70 calories, and some may be 650. Once you do this for a while, you will understand better approximating calories. I tend to try and go towards the high side to give myself wiggle room (once in a while I sneak in a low one, lol).

Good luck! Welcome aboard!

/Cheers, JP