How to track—and stay on track—when eating out
On this menu? Less stress, more success.
So, you’re going to a restaurant…
No-fuss ways to lean on ZeroPoint® foods and stay in your Points® Budget.
If you have time to plan ahead… | If you’re already out… |
|---|---|
• Look up the menu and use your app to check Points and compare options. • Pre-track as if you had to pre-order, then lean on ZPFs in the days leading up to save extra Points if needed. (Up to 4 a day roll over into your weeklies.) • Eat a filling snack with ZPFs before you leave to help you stick to your plan. | • Start with a brothy soup, salad, or ZPF app to help fill you up for so few Points. • Save Points for sides, drinks, or dessert by ordering a ZPF-based entree. Words like “grilled” or “broiled” are also code for lower in Points. • Snap photos of your food as it arrives to help you track it now or later. |
Don’t be afraid to ask…
how food is prepared (with cream? butter? oil?) so you can track accurately.
for substitutions (we’re Team Olive Oil) or for sauce and dressing on the side.
if the chef can go light on high-Points ingredients like cheese, butter, or oil.
Tracking: OK or no way?
✅ Snap a photo! Use the food scanner feature to quickly let the app analyze your foods and portions to give you a Points estimate.
✅ Swap in a similar dish (or one from another restaurant) if yours isn’t in the database.
✅ Guesstimate portion sizes and ingredients—leave your measuring spoons at home.
✅ Track oil, butter, cream, or other ingredients separately when used to prepare ZPFs.
✅ Tap “Quick Add” if you’re overwhelmed; name your meal or event and give your best guess for Points value.
🚫 Stress over tracking every bite and every dish perfectly.
🚫 Skip tracking when you’ve gone over your Budget or can’t remember what you ate.